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The squadron is paying more and more attention to the Y-20 transport aircraft.
Introduction: In recent years, there has been increasing speculation about the role and importance of the Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). There are reports that one Y-20 aircraft has already been converted into an air tanker, indicating that the Y-20B model is in mass production. This development raises questions about how many Y-20 aircraft the PLA intends to equip with. This article will ** the experience of the US Air Force in strategic transport aircraft and analyze the possible comparison of the Y-20 fleet of the PLA in terms of size and capabilities.
The US Air Force and its fleet of strategic transport aircraft:
The U.S. Air Force has the largest and most advanced air force in the world. It has a sizable fleet of transport aircraft, including 223 C-17 Hercules III and 52 C-5 Star Rail strategic transport aircraft. Although this may not seem like a huge number, the superior payload capacity of these aircraft allows the United States to meet the bulk of its global military deployment needs.
For example, during the recent escalation between Israel and Palestine, the U.S. Transportation Command quickly dispatched more than 60 C-17 aircraft from the Pentagon to provide reinforcements to the Central and Albanese countries. The aircraft delivered two Patriot air defense systems to counter the missile threat from Iran and Yemen. This rapid response demonstrates the critical role of strategic transport aircraft in achieving rapid military deployment.
In addition, the number of C-17 flights conducted by the US Transportation Command during the full US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has not yet been disclosed. However, based on the tonnage data of the evacuated materials, it can be estimated that the command carried out a sufficient number of C-17 flights to fill about 1000 cargo holds. This further highlights the indispensability of a large fleet of strategic transport aircraft in large-scale military operations.
Y-20 transport aircraft: strategic implications for the PLA.
With the Y-20B model expected to enter mass production, the PLA aims to strengthen its strategic air transport capabilities. The prevailing opinion at the moment is that, based on the experience and fleet composition of the US Air Force, the PLA may be armed with about 150 to 200 Y-20 aircraft.
However, it is crucial to take other factors into account when assessing China's needs. First, as the world's second-largest economy, China has expanding interests and responsibilities in international affairs. To participate in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, PLA must have comprehensive transport capabilities to effectively meet these obligations.
Secondly, China's vast territorial reach and growing overseas interests require a large fleet of transport aircraft. From supporting border operations to providing logistical support to personnel stationed abroad, the Y-20 aircraft will play a key role in facilitating rapid deployment and sustaining military operations.
In addition, the modernization of the PLA requires increased mobility in various areas. The rapid delivery of troops, equipment and supplies to various theaters of operations is critical to effectively responding to future challenges. Thus, the development and deployment of the Y-20 demonstrates China's commitment to strengthening its military power and projection capabilities.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Y-20 transport aircraft represents a significant advance in the squadron's strategic air transport capabilities. While the estimated number of 150 to 200 aircraft pales in comparison to the U.S. Air Force fleet, it is critical to understand the unique environment and needs that PLA faces. China is constantly developing and improving its native defense industry, and the Y-20 transport aircraft will become a key component of the PLA's combat capabilities. These advances will not only enhance China's ability to respond to regional emergencies, but will also allow it to project power farther away. Overall, the Y-20 represents another strategic milestone in China's pursuit of modernization and capable military power.