Chinese YY-20A Tanker Refuels Egyptian Rafale During Joint Exercise
For the first time publicly documented, a Chinese YY-20A tanker refueled an Egyptian Air Force Rafale during the Eagles of Civilization 2026 exercise, following a similar refueling of Egyptian MiG-29s last year.
A Chinese YY-20A tanker has refueled an Egyptian Air Force Rafale fighter during the ongoing Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint air exercise, according to images released by both militaries. It is the first publicly documented instance of the Chinese tanker refueling a Western-built fighter.
The in-flight photograph, first released by the Egyptian military spokesperson and later shared by the official China Military Bugle account, shows a twin-seat Rafale B on the starboard side of the YY-20A. The fighter's fixed refueling probe is connected to a hose-and-drogue unit deployed from the tanker's refueling pod. Two other Rafales are visible nearby.
During last year's inaugural Eagles of Civilization exercise, a YY-20A refueled Egyptian MiG-29M/M2 fighters. This year's drills also included PLA Air Force J-16s training with Egyptian Rafales.
The article notes that Rafales have previously been integrated with a Russian platform: the Indian Air Force's Ilyushin Il-78 tankers regularly refuel its French-built Rafales. The common probe-and-drogue refueling system enabled the YY-20A to connect with the Rafale.
Sources
- theaviationist.comChinese YY-20A Tanker Refuels Egyptian Rafale During Eagles of Civilization 2026 Air Exercises