Export potential? Chinese YY-20 refuels Egyptian Rafale in cross-platform drill
In a rare display of interoperability, a Chinese YY-20 aerial tanker has been pictured refuelling a French-built Egyptian Rafale fighter – showing a versatility analysts say could enable closer multinational air operations and improve the tanker’s potential for export. The photo, released by the Egyptian military on Monday, showed mid-air refuelling during the Eagles of Civilisation 2026 joint…
Chinese aerial tanker YY-20 was photographed refueling a French-built Egyptian Rafale fighter jet during a joint military exercise. The photo, released by Egypt's military, marked the first time a Western-made fighter publicly received fuel from a Chinese tanker. The exercise, known as Eagles of Civilisation 2026, took place at various airbases across Egypt and showcased the YY-20's ability to extend the range and loiter time of receiving aircraft.
Last year, a YY-20A had already refueled Egyptian MiG-29 fighters at the same drills. Beijing aims to demonstrate its long-range power projection capabilities during the drills. Chinese J-16 fighters conducted a 6,000km (3,730-mile) journey to Egypt using YY-20 tankers for aerial refueling. Michael Bosack, a military analyst, believes the refueling capability could make the YY-20 more attractive for export to countries operating diverse aircraft.
However, he noted that there is no official confirmation of China's plans to export the YY-20 or make the cross-platform refueling a regular part of multinational training. The YY-20 and the Rafale are described as highly compatible due to their shared probe-and-drogue refueling systems, which simplify the fuel transfer process.
The main challenge lies in coordinating procedures and ensuring effective communication between crews operating different types of aircraft.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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