A photograph emerged on social media showing a Chinese YY-20A aerial refueling tanker bearing the tail number 20646, spotted at an undisclosed location. The image, shared by an aviation enthusiast, has reignited discussions about the scale of China’s tanker fleet within the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
YY-20A aircraft spotted—China’s 50-tanker PLAAF mystery grows
Photo credit: X
The YY-20A, a derivative of the Xi’an Y-20 transport aircraft, is a critical asset for China’s growing military aviation capabilities, but the exact number of these tankers in service remains uncertain.
This sighting has drawn attention from observers in the United States and beyond, as it underscores China’s efforts to enhance its air force’s reach, prompting questions about the strategic implications of such advancements.
YY-20A no. 20646 seen again and still the mystery on how many YY-20A tankers are about there hasn't been solved especially since this one clearly looks renumbered! 🤔🤔🤔
(Via Huitong's CMA-Blog) pic.twitter.com/uHc96V0X0Y
— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) March 14, 2025
The YY-20A can carry up to 90 tons of fuel, a capacity that significantly boosts the endurance and range of China’s combat aircraft. For example, it could refuel approximately six to eight J-20 stealth fighters in a single mission, depending on their fuel consumption and operational needs.
Alternatively, it might support fewer larger aircraft, such as the H-6N bomber, which is central to China’s long-range strike capabilities. With an operational range estimated at over 4,000 miles when fully loaded, the YY-20A allows the Chinese air force to project power well beyond its mainland, potentially reaching into the Pacific or over contested regions like the South China Sea.
This range and fuel capacity make it a vital tool for sustained operations, a capability that has evolved considerably from China’s earlier, less efficient tankers.
A distinctive feature of the YY-20A is its redesigned landing gear sponsons. These structures, which encase the aircraft’s landing gear, have been modified to improve stability during takeoff and landing, particularly on varied or challenging runways. This enhancement could prove valuable in regions like western China, where high altitudes and rough terrain complicate operations.
The redesign may also minimize turbulence for aircraft receiving fuel mid-flight, improving the safety and efficiency of refueling. While the precise benefits of this change are not fully detailed in public sources, it suggests a focus on adaptability, allowing the tanker to operate effectively across diverse environments.
The YY-20A builds on the foundation of the Y-20 platform, which was developed by Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation and first flew in 2013. The tanker variant, introduced around 2022, is equipped with a hose-and-drogue refueling system featuring three points: two under the wings and one at the rear fuselage.
This configuration enables simultaneous refueling of multiple aircraft, a feature shared by advanced tankers worldwide. Early YY-20A models used four Russian Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines, but newer iterations, such as the YY-20B, have adopted China’s WS-20 engines, which offer better fuel efficiency and extended range.
The aircraft’s design also incorporates 3D-printed components, a manufacturing technique that has accelerated production and reduced costs since its integration into the Y-20 program.
In addition to its refueling role, the YY-20A retains some transport capabilities inherited from the Y-20. By removing internal fuel pallets, it can carry cargo or personnel, providing flexibility for missions that don’t require aerial refueling. Unlike combat aircraft, it is not equipped to carry weapons, focusing instead on logistical support.
However, it does feature defensive measures, such as four flare launchers on its sponsons, intended to counter infrared-guided missiles like those fired from portable launchers. This suggests a design mindful of operating in potentially hostile areas, though its primary mission remains to extend the reach of other aircraft.
Chinese aviation expert Fu Qianshao, quoted in state media in 2020, called the YY-20A a “game-changer” for the air force. “It allows our fighters and bombers to operate farther and longer, expanding our strategic options,” he said. This aligns with China’s military modernization efforts, which prioritize extending influence across the Indo-Pacific.
The tanker has been observed in action, notably during a 2021 mission near Taiwan, where it supported a group of 27 aircraft, including J-16 fighters, in a show of force within Taiwan’s air defense zone. Such operations demonstrate a marked improvement over the older H-6U tankers, which carry less than 40 tons of fuel and lack the YY-20A’s range and capacity.
Comparisons to Western and Russian tankers provide context for the YY-20A’s capabilities. The U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 Stratotanker, in service since the 1950s, also carries around 90 tons of fuel and has a range exceeding 5,000 miles with refueling support. It uses both hose-and-drogue and boom systems, offering versatility across aircraft types.
The newer KC-46 Pegasus, with a 96-ton fuel capacity, incorporates cutting-edge avionics but is a dedicated tanker, unlike the YY-20A’s multi-role potential.
Russia’s Ilyushin Il-78, another comparable model, matches the YY-20A’s 90-ton fuel load and 4,500-mile range, using a similar three-point hose-and-drogue setup. However, the Il-78, based on the aging Il-76, lacks the YY-20A’s modern design and production momentum.
Several analysts offered a perspective on the YY-20A’s place in global aviation in a 2023 report. “China appears to be blending the adaptability of Western multi-role tankers with the sheer capacity of Russian designs,” they wrote. “This isn’t just about keeping pace—it’s about tailoring a fleet to China’s unique geographic and strategic demands.”
This view highlights the YY-20A’s role in supporting China’s shift toward a more expeditionary air force, capable of operating across vast distances and challenging environments.
The YY-20A’s development reflects China’s push for technological independence. Early Y-20 variants depended on Russian engines, but the transition to WS-20 engines in the YY-20B, completed by 2023, marks a significant milestone. This shift reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, a priority amid strained international relations.
The use of 3D printing first reported in 2016, has also streamlined production, allowing Xi’an to scale up output. By 2023, at least 67 Y-20-family aircraft were in service, with estimates suggesting an annual production rate of six to nine units, a pace that could see China field a substantial tanker fleet by the early 2030s.
Tracking the YY-20A fleet remains a challenge due to limited transparency. By late 2022, eight were confirmed operational, with serial numbers ranging from 20841 to 20848, according to defense analysis from Janes.
The appearance of 20646 on March 14, 2025, suggests either a new addition or a renumbering of existing aircraft, a practice that obscures exact counts. Some analysts speculate that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force could aim for 75 tankers by 2032, phasing out older H-6U and Il-78 models. This growth trajectory points to a deliberate effort to modernize and expand aerial refueling capacity.
The YY-20A has already proven its worth in real-world scenarios. In 2020, Y-20s delivered aid to Wuhan during the COVID-19 crisis, showcasing their logistical value. More recently, missions over the South China Sea and near Taiwan have demonstrated their strategic reach.
A U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously in 2024, noted the tanker’s impact: “It extends their stealth fighters’ range into areas where our forces operate in the Western Pacific.” This observation reflects broader concerns about China’s ability to challenge regional power dynamics, a topic that has gained traction in U.S. military circles since the Y-20’s debut.
The sighting of YY-20A tail number 20646 on March 14, 2025, marks the latest development in this evolving story. Captured in a photograph shared online, the aircraft’s presence reinforces China’s ongoing investment in its air force.
Whether 20646 represents a newly commissioned tanker or a reassigned unit is unclear, given the lack of official confirmation. What is evident, however, is the steady advancement of the YY-20 program. With the YY-20B variant now featuring upgraded WS-20 engines, the fleet’s capabilities are set to grow, supporting longer missions and more complex operations.
As China continues to refine and expand this asset, its air force’s ability to operate globally will likely remain a focal point for military planners worldwide.
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