Could China’s new transport-tanker capability boost PLA power beyond first island chain?

Convertible Y-20B aircraft give PLA Air Force operational flexibility to project power deeper into the western Pacific China has confirmed that its new Y-20B heavy transport aircraft can be converted into an aerial refuelling tanker, potentially boosting PLA Air Force capacities deeper into the western Pacific. The official confirmation aligns with long-standing open-source intelligence. Andreas Rupprecht, an aviation analyst who specialises in the Chinese military, said observers had tracked the capability since the third Y-20B prototype was spotted with in-flight refuelling pods in January 2022. Further evidence emerged in April 2023, when the first Y-20B in standard military grey appeared at Kaifeng airbase bearing characteristic refuelling alignment markings. The significance lies in what the capability could mean operationally.

Read the full article at the source →