The Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China conducted a combat training course in September 2025 involving fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft.
The exercise featured a Yun-20U tanker aircraft, responsible for refueling four J-16 fighter jets simultaneously during the mission.
Day and night operations
According to released information, the flights were conducted in both daytime and nighttime conditions, demonstrating the operational capability of Chinese aviation in multiple scenarios. Before each new sortie, the aircraft underwent detailed and timely maintenance performed by air force engineering and technical teams, ensuring equipment readiness.
Expansion of Chinese air power
The training highlights China’s advances in the field of combat aviation and aerial refueling, considered crucial elements for sustaining long-range operations. The ability to refuel multiple fighter jets in flight extends mission range and strengthens the country’s air power projection.
Analysts emphasize that the intensive use of the Yun-20U, alongside the fleet of J-16 fighters, reflects Beijing’s focus on expanding its strategic capability in the face of regional tensions and in joint defense operations.
Source and images: ChinaMil. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
