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

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.A documentary aired by state broadcaster CCTV on August 5 said the Y-20B, an improved variant of China’s Y-20 strategic transport powered by domestically developed WS-20 turbofan engines, could switch between transport and aerial refuelling missions using pallet-ready fuel tanks and removable refuelling equipment.Analysts say converting Y-20B heavy transport aircraft into an aerial refuelling tankers offers the PLA greater capacity and flexibility. Photo: CCTVThe 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.