BEIJING March 29, 2026 (Agencies): The People’s Liberation Army Air Force has deployed an artificial intelligence-based aerial refuelling management system on its Xi’an YY-20 tanker aircraft to enhance operational efficiency during in-flight refuelling missions.
According to the PLA Daily, the official publication of China’s military, the newly developed system monitors surrounding airspace and uses advanced algorithms to calculate real-time fuel levels of friendly aircraft, including those awaiting refuelling.
The system, internally referred to as an “intelligent dispatch programme,” was first used operationally during a training mission at the end of 2025.
Officials said the AI-assisted platform provides tanker crews with critical data such as fuel status, operational range, and loitering time of receiver aircraft, enabling more informed decision-making and real-time optimisation of refuelling plans.
A PLAAF officer, Yu He, said the system allows crews to generate efficient and scientifically optimised refuelling strategies, maximising the effectiveness of aerial operations.
He noted that earlier refuelling missions were conducted in a largely “blind” manner, with tanker aircraft deployed to designated areas without clear visibility of the needs of receiving aircraft.
Previously, tanker crews relied on passive coordination, often leading to inefficiencies as receiver aircraft would select the nearest tanker, sometimes overburdening certain platforms while others remained underutilised.
The introduction of AI-driven management is expected to significantly improve coordination, reduce operational inefficiencies, and enhance the overall capability of China’s aerial refuelling missions.