The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force recently completed a high-intensity training exercise involving multiple Y-20 transport aircraft, demonstrating enhanced strategic airlift capabilities in challenging operational environments. Conducted under complex weather conditions and in unfamiliar airspace, the drills tested crews' ability to execute coordinated missions with limited ground support.
During the January 2026 exercises launched from southwest China, multiple Y-20s performed formation flying and long-range navigation while relying entirely on autonomous systems for real-time decision-making. The training incorporated simulated electronic warfare scenarios, sudden weather changes, and navigation system disruptions, requiring crews to rapidly adjust flight paths and tactical formations.
PLA Air Force commanders emphasized the drills' focus on improving battlefield adaptability, with participating units conducting detailed post-mission analyses of coordination protocols and data integration processes. The Y-20's advanced avionics and 200-ton payload capacity enabled successful execution of emergency recovery procedures and complex logistical maneuvers during the 12-hour operation.
First entering service in 2016, the domestically developed Y-20 'Kunpeng' has become a cornerstone of China's strategic air mobility capabilities. The aircraft's recent performance in extreme training conditions underscores its evolving role in supporting diverse military and humanitarian operations across Asia.
