Comparison highlights size differences among world’s largest strategic bomber fleets

China's mainstay is the H-6 family of bombers—modernized versions of Soviet-era designs—with ongoing development of new stealth aircraft like the H-20 flying wing model. Social media images suggest that prototype stealth bombers may already be undergoing flight tests.

In terms of nuclear arsenals, Russia holds over 5,500 warheads, slightly more than the United States' estimated 5,200; China maintains a smaller stockpile at around 600 warheads. All three countries use a combination of land-based missiles, submarines, and heavy bombers for nuclear delivery.

Major General Joseph Campo of US Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa highlighted recent American deployments: “Bomber Task Force missions reinforce our ability to rapidly project combat power, demonstrating U.S. lethality and readiness in a dynamic security environment. Training alongside our Allies and partners ensures seamless integration, enhancing our collective deterrence and warfighting capability across Europe and Africa.”

Russia’s bomber patrols near NATO borders have increased since 2007. These flights often involve turning off transponders or using radar to track targets—tactics not commonly seen during peacetime by Western forces—and have prompted frequent interceptions by NATO aircraft.

Russian bombers have played an active role in launching strikes against Ukraine from within Russian airspace throughout recent hostilities. In response, Ukrainian drone attacks targeted several Russian airbases in June 2025; satellite imagery confirmed damage or destruction to multiple aircraft at these sites according to reporting from Newsweek (https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-drone-strike-crimea-russian-bombers-destroyed-putin-war-airfield-1911868) and BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66145316). Ukraine claims it damaged or destroyed at least 13 strategic bombers during these operations.

As both China and Russia continue joint strategic air patrols—including missions near Japan and Alaska—regional tensions remain high amid ongoing modernization efforts within each country’s respective bomber fleet.