The YU-20 tanker is a derivative of China's domestically developed Y-20 transport aircraft. Shen stated that it recently conducted aerial refuelling exercises at sea with the J-16 fighter jet, which improved the aircraft's realistic combat training level. While this is the PLA's first official introduction of the YU-20, the aerial tanker's existence has been widely known to the general public due to its missions throughout Taiwan. On November 28, 2021, a total of 27 PLA warplanes, including a YU-20 tanker aircraft, entered Taiwan's self-proclaimed southwest air defence identification zone, according to a press release issued by the island's defence authorities at the time.
According to Taiwanese media, this is the first time a YU-20 aerial refuelling aircraft has been spotted in a PLA flyover near the island of Taiwan.
According to reports, the YU-20 refuelling aircraft performed aerial refuelling procedures with two J-16s. Warplanes can extend their range and operational time by receiving aerial refuelling, making aerial tankers a power amplifier in modern warfare.
