China’s New "Hercules Killer": The Y-15 Tactical Airlifter Takes to the Skies

China has achieved a significant milestone in its military aviation modernization with the successful maiden flight of a new medium-lift tactical transport aircraft on December 16, 2025. Identified by analysts as the Y-15 (or potentially the Y-30), this four-engine turboprop is designed to bridge the gap between the smaller Y-9 and the massive Y-20 strategic lifter.

Physically larger than the American C-130J but more compact than the European A400M, the Y-15 boasts an impressive 30-tonne payload capacity. This upgrade represents a 50% increase in lift over the C-130J, potentially allowing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to transport heavier armored vehicles and equipment to austere, short-field airstrips where strategic jets cannot land.