China reveals Y-20B aircraft in MRTT configuration

China has publicly shown a Xi'an Y-20B strategic transport aircraft configured for both airlift and aerial refueling, establishing a multirole tanker-transport variant within the aircraft family. Imagery released through Chinese military media shows features associated with refueling equipment on a Y-20B airframe, which uses domestically developed engines. The configuration could allow the People's Liberation Army Air Force to combine cargo transport with tanker support without relying exclusively on dedicated refueling aircraft. The imagery confirms the configuration's existence but does not establish fleet numbers, certified fuel-transfer capacity or the date of entry into service.