The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is significantly expanding its fleet of Type 903 and Type 903A replenishment oilers in response to growing operational demands in the western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and other distant regions. Recent shipbuilding activity at Guangzhou and Wuhu shipyards indicates that China is preparing to nearly double its current fleet of nine active units.
Analysts note that logistic support ships, rather than carriers or submarines, form the backbone of long-range naval operations. The expansion of this fleet marks a decisive step toward enabling more persistent deployments far beyond China’s coastal waters.
Type 903A: Backbone of long-range operations
With a full load displacement of roughly 23,400 tons and a range of around 10,000 nautical miles, the Type 903A provides critical fuel, water, and ammunition supplies to surface action groups. Its helicopter facilities allow efficient vertical replenishment, making it an essential platform for prolonged missions.
Supporting China’s expanding global footprint
Throughout 2025, dual-carrier operations involving Liaoning and Shandong demonstrated the importance of 903A-class vessels. Satellite imagery showed these ships conducting underway replenishment near Guam and Japan, enabling carrier strike groups to operate for extended periods without returning to port.
Why expansion is essential
– China’s limited overseas basing infrastructure cannot support sustained global operations.
– Restricted access to foreign ports forces PLAN to rely heavily on at-sea replenishment.
– The existing nine-ship fleet has struggled to meet the high operational tempo of recent years.
As more Type 903A vessels enter service, China is expected to significantly enhance its ability to maintain continuous naval presence in distant maritime regions, reinforcing its growing global ambitions.
