The two articles discuss this Matter.
I have theorized before in the H-6 thread that PLAAF is likely going to end up acquiring a very large number of H-6's as a general purpose platform. they can be used in large numbers to fire long range missiles of all sorts to attack land and sea targets, carry WZ-8 for reconnaissance missions (i imagine other types of UAVs with dimensions similar to WZ-8 but different functions are in the works), and perform conventional bombing missions.Very interesting how Chinese H-6x series becoming more and more lethal and useful, even it is very old platform. But the latest variants (i.e. H-6K, etc) are totally different platform and it should be called something else.
The key here is missiles, and China has a massive programme and advancing every week. Very obvious that Chinese missile technology is up there, possibly more advanced than the US
I have theorized before in the H-6 thread that PLAAF is likely going to end up acquiring a very large number of H-6's as a general purpose platform. they can be used in large numbers to fire long range missiles of all sorts to attack land and sea targets, carry WZ-8 for reconnaissance missions (i imagine other types of UAVs with dimensions similar to WZ-8 but different functions are in the works), and perform conventional bombing missions.
There's an opportunity cost as well, more H-6s means less H-20s at some point. Basically I think PLA continues with H-6 because that's the best option it has - for now. It is useful as a missile carrier and can do a job but it is very far from state of the art, and very vulnerable other than at long stand-off ranges. As soon as H-20 and JH-XX come on stream I expect H-6 production to cease immediately.I can see the current modest level of H-6 production continuing, but not large numbers of new aircraft.
All the land targets in the 1st Island Chain are within 200km-1100km of the Chinese coastline.
If you need to deliver stand-off missiles, J-16s or drones or land-based missiles can do a better job.
If you're looking at targets beyond the 1st Island Chain, H-6s are vulnerable because they won't have much fighter cover.
Plus there aren't actually that many land targets left in the 2nd Island Chain and beyond.
And in terms of sea targets, there will only be a handful