China releases footage showing off capacity of new strategic airlifter Xi-an Y-20

A Chinese military aircraft manufacturer has released footage of recent airdrop drills conducted by the country''s airborne troops. It shows the People’s Liberation Army training with a new strategic airlifter, the Xi-an Y-20, for the first time. Analysts say the new craft’s increased capacities may give China greater military reach across Eurasia. These images show People’s Liberation Army airdrop drills. Two military vehicles have already dropped from the aircraft in parachutes. A third is still inside the plane. The PLA’s brand new strategic airlifter, the Xi''an Y-20, has an astonishingly large payload.The Xi’an Y-20 was only formally brought into service a year ago. It’s 20 meters longer than Taiwan’s equivalent transport plane, theLockheed C-130 Hercules, with triple the payload, and a spectacular range. Some see no coincidence in its manufacturer, CASC, releasing the footage just days after the Han Kuang drills ended in Taiwan.Song Yu-ningDefense analystI think we can’t rule out the idea that it is rather purposeful, coming just after our Han Kuang anti-airdrop drills. The US has troops deployed worldwide, so China wants to have a fast transport craft that can bring large numbers of troops or equipment to any place in the world. The PLA probably won’t use the Xi’an Y-20 outside of this remit.The Xi’an Y-20 was designed in reference to the US transport plane, Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III. It aims to increase range and capacity to give the PLA reach all across Eurasia.Song Yu-ningDefense analystIt allows me to drop a large force into a battlefield with a small number of planes in a very short space of time. Of course, this would shorten the time that Taiwan’s forces have to respond and repel an airborne invasion.As China re-organizes its airborne troops and upgrades its airlift capacities, Taiwan must take note, and stay up to speed.