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China confirms Y-20B’s refueling role, extending PLA reach

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China confirmed the Y-20B transport can become an aerial refuelling tanker, extending PLA reach in the western Pacific.
A CCTV documentary on August 5 showed the Y-20B switch between cargo and refuelling using removable fuel tanks and kits, and noted its WS-20 turbofan engines as the “Chinese heart.”
The aircraft entered PLAAF service in 2024–25, operating from Kaifeng and likely delivering the first batch to a second transport division.

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Story summary

China confirmed the Y-20B transport can become an aerial refuelling tanker, extending PLA reach in the western Pacific.
A CCTV documentary on August 5 showed the Y-20B switch between cargo and refuelling using removable fuel tanks and kits, and noted its WS-20 turbofan engines as the “Chinese heart.”
The aircraft entered PLAAF service in 2024–25, operating from Kaifeng and likely delivering the first batch to a second transport division.