China’s YY-20 Tanker Increasing The Range Of Its Fighters: China released a military video promoting its newest sixth-generation stealth fighter as it is refueled mid-air by the YY-20 aerial refueling tanker.
This air-refueling capability was one that the PLAAF didn’t possess until this decade, but it is rapidly gaining expertise and experience.
J-36 Fighter in the Sky. Image Credit: X Post.
The YY-20, with a capacity of 90 tons of fuel, enables the Chinese to conduct force projection with their land-based fighters to ranges that were unreachable just a few short years ago.
Converting Cargo Aircraft Is Just A First Step
China is rapidly expanding its air-to-air refueling capabilities by converting its Xi’an Y-20 “Chubby Girl” strategic cargo planes into aerial tankers, designated as YU-20 or YY-20.
This initiative is designed to address a historic deficit in tanker aircraft, extend the combat range of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), and project power further into the Pacific.
The Chinese have reportedly been working on this project for the past several years. “A YU-20 tanker aircraft of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force and a J-15 carrier-based fighter jet of the PLA Navy have conducted their first in-flight refueling exercise.
“This exercise has displayed the systematic integration among different PLA services and will enhance the capabilities of Chinese aircraft carriers,” the Chinese government-run newspaper Global Times reported.
J-36 Fighter from China. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
China Tests Taiwan’s ADIZ
Back in late May, China flew about 60 aircraft, helicopters, and drones near Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Over several days, the Chinese conducted air refueling using the YY-20 tankers. It should be noted that Chinese fighters didn’t need air refueling, given that Taiwan is only about 100 miles from the Chinese coast.
However, it was sending a message that its capabilities could now extend far beyond the normal range of its land-based fighters.
Aerospace Win: The YY-20/YU-20A Tankers Boost The Fighters’ Ranges
One of the primary weaknesses of the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) has been the dearth of air-to-air refueling capability. But by converting some of its Y-20 cargo aircraft into YY-20 refuelers, China is rapidly expanding its reach to project power in the Indo-Pacific, especially around Taiwan.
The PLAAF operates approximately 35 refuelers, a mix of old Russian planes (IL-78 Midas), converted H-6 bombers (H-6U, H-6DU), and newer tankers evolved from its Y-20 transport planes (YY-20A).
H-6 Bomber from China. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
“The YU-20A was developed from the Y-20 and has the advantage of a large fuel capacity. It can refuel tactical aircraft such as the J-20 and J-16, as well as strategic-level aircraft such as the KJ-500A and H-6N. Because of this, special mission aircraft such as early warning aircraft and tanker aircraft are known as amplifiers in air combat,” Military affairs expert Fu Qianshao said.
The PLA wants to transform itself into a “world-class” military with much better power-projection capabilities. And getting enough tankers for their aircraft is a very necessary step.
However, China still has a long way to go before it can match US capabilities. The United States operates about 75 percent of the world’s refueling tankers. The United States operates a massive air fleet of more than 600 air refueling tankers.
In a recent article in The Interpreter, David G. Vallance wrote that by 2035, China’s air-refueling fleet would number about 100 aircraft, a huge jump in capability.
China’s Fighter Fleet Projection Must Have Air Refuelers
China’s J-20 fighters are land-based, and their J-35s, which are launched from carriers, haven’t been produced in sufficient numbers yet. But the increase in air-refueling capabilities will significantly factor into the PLAAF’s power-projection plans.
Chinese plans to attack Taiwan would certainly also encompass attacks on US bases in Guam and Japan, as well as attacks on the Philippines and Singapore. US carriers and amphibious assault ships carry the F-35B and F-35C. The Japanese and Singaporean militaries have also purchased F-35s.
These would be a formidable defense against any Chinese amphibious attack against Taiwan. With a larger aerial refueling fleet, Beijing can now bring many more fifth-generation J-20s to bear and substantially increase their ranges.
This is why China’s conversion of the Y-20s into YY-20 air refuelers is so significant. These can also be used to refuel the growing fleet of Chinese J-35 carrier-based aircraft. China has been working hard, producing aircraft in large numbers to challenge American air superiority in the skies over the Indo-Pacific.
The Y-20B Aircraft Multi-Role Tanker/Transport
Vallance added that China has begun fielding the Y-20B, which entered service in 2024.
“There was speculation that this new model would be converted into a dedicated tanker, but as more images of the Y-20B have emerged, analysts have suggested that this aircraft is more likely to be a multi-role tanker/transport (MRTT). This would be an important capability for China – a modular aircraft that can fulfill transport and aerial refueling roles.”
The Y-20B, which is powered by the domestically produced WS-20 high-bypass turbofan engine, is a significant development. This transport aircraft can lift and transport cargo as heavy as a Type 99 main battle tank, significantly increasing its power projection.
There are also reports that Beijing is converting some Y-20 aircraft into a new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform based on the Y-20 airframe, designated the KJ-3000.
The demonstration by China’s PLAAF shows that its refueling capability is growing by leaps and bounds, not only in numbers but also in expertise. China can now expand its force projection with its stealth fighter fleet far beyond its previous ranges, which will influence US defensive planning in the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea, and the Sea of Japan.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
