Is this Chinese jet built to hunt US tankers? Xi’s stealth fighters seen refuelling for first time

New footage appears to show two Chinese next-generation fighter prototypes conducting mid-air refuelling from a YY-20 aerial tanker. The reported August 28 sighting could signal an important step in testing long-range operations and tanker integration. The aircraft, widely associated with China’s emerging sixth-generation fighter programme, is expected to feature a tailless design, advanced stealth characteristics, and a distinctive triple-engine configuration. Some reports have suggested a potential unrefuelled combat radius exceeding 3,500 kilometres, although the aircraft’s true range, radar, payload and weapons remain undisclosed. If operationalised, its combination with China’s growing tanker fleet could extend airpower across the Pacific and complicate U.S. and allied operations during a Taiwan crisis.