China is eyeing Nigeria as a potential customer for its Y-20 E multi-role transport aircraft, the largest military aircraft currently in production. The aircraft, nicknamed “Chubby Girl”, was showcased to the Nigerian Defense Minister during his visit to Beijing in November 2023.
The Y-20 E is China’s answer to the US C-17 Globemaster and the Soviet Ilyushin Il-76, both of which are widely used by many countries for strategic airlift missions. The Y-20 E has a payload capacity of 73 short tons, which can be used to transport troops, vehicles, weapons, and humanitarian aid. The aircraft can also operate in diverse conditions, such as high altitude, hot weather, and rough terrain.
China has been increasing its production capacity of the Y-20 E in anticipation of export orders. The aircraft was first displayed at the Dubai Air Show in December 2023, where it attracted attention from many countries. The export version of the Y-20 E has some modifications from the domestic version, such as a different engine and avionics.
The Y-20 has been operational for about a decade, and China has focused on developing the Y-20 fleet to support longer-range military operations. The Y-20 was developed by China’s state-owned aerospace major, Xian Aircraft Corporation, and has an empty weight of 110 short tons, making it the largest military aircraft currently in production.
According to a report by the Chinese military magazine Ordnance Industry Science Technology, China hopes to establish deeper strategic relationships and cooperation with countries that purchase the Y-20 E, particularly those in Africa. The report also highlighted the advanced assembly lines of the Y-20 E, which use a “pulse line” to move parts along, similar to those used for the Lockheed Martin F-35 and the Boeing 787.
The Y-20 E is part of China’s ambition to expand its foothold in the global aviation industry, as well as to boost its influence in Africa. China has been portraying itself as a partner of African countries, offering them economic and military assistance without interfering in their internal affairs. China also has plans to support local production of military equipment in Nigeria, which has abundant natural and human resources.
Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous and largest economy, is an important market for China. Nigeria has been facing security challenges from various insurgent groups, such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Nigeria also has a large and diverse air force, which operates a mix of Western and Russian aircraft. The Y-20 E could provide Nigeria with a strategic advantage in terms of mobility and logistics, as well as strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Nigerian air force current transport fleet includes around three operational C-130H Hercules, a single Aeritalia G-222 tactical transport, 16x Dornier 228/28s, and two EADS CASA C-295s on order.
