China increases Type 903A replenishment oiler fleet to extend naval reach across the Pacific.

China is expanding its fleet of Type 903 and Type 903A replenishment ships, with new construction at Guangzhou and Wuhu indicating that the inventory may soon double from the current nine active units, reflecting rising operational demands in the western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and other distant regions.

On November 13, 2025, Alex Luck noted that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is on track to significantly increase its fleet of Type 903 and Type 903A auxiliary replenishment oiler ships. He noted that the PLAN will, in the near future, effectively double the 903 and 903A fleet to support longer and more frequent deployments in nearby seas and in distant maritime regions. The growth of this fleet takes place as China increases its naval activities in nearby seas, across the western Pacific, and beyond the First Island Chain.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The insufficiency of Type 903/903A replenishment ships represents a fundamental constraint on the Chinese naval operations, as it means that its warships often have to rotate back to home ports for replenishment, maintenance, or repair. (Picture source: Chinese Navy)

The indication that the PLAN will effectively double its fleet of Type 903 and 903A replenishment ships stems from a combination of observed shipbuilding activity and analysis of operational demands placed on these vessels. Alex Luck stated that while public attention often focuses on major platforms such as aircraft carriers or nuclear-powered submarines, the growth of the replenishment fleet is a central development for sustained operations in the near abroad. The 903 and 903A ships form the main logistical support structure of the Chinese navy, enabling task groups to remain at sea during long-range deployments. Recent construction includes new hulls launched and tested at shipyards in Guangzhou and Wuhu, with several more under construction or in block assembly. China has been observed using these ships extensively to support operations in the western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and regions near Europe and Africa. Analysts have described the previous number of 903 and 903A ships as insufficient for the high rotational tempo of PLAN operations, which has increased in scale and distance. The plan to expand the fleet, therefore, responds directly to this operational strain and reflects a need to sustain operations in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Philippine Sea without overextending the existing nine active units that support these missions, where foreign port access remains limited.

The Type 903A replenishment ship displaces approximately 23,400 tons at full load and measures about 178.5 meters in length, 24.8 meters in beam, and 8.7 meters in draught, giving it the volume and stability needed for high-capacity supply missions. It uses two diesel engines producing about 24,000 horsepower that drive two shafts, enabling speeds of 19 to 20 knots suitable for accompanying major surface ships across long distances. Its range extends to roughly 10,000 nautical miles at moderate cruising speed, allowing it to support distant operations in areas far from the Chinese mainland. The ship can carry around 10,500 tons of ship fuel, 250 tons of fresh water with desalination capability, and 680 tons of dry cargo and ammunition to sustain task groups during long missions. It features two liquid transfer stations and one solid transfer station on each side with additional stern refuelling options, allowing complex multi-directional replenishment operations at sea. Onboard aviation facilities include a flight deck and hangar designed to operate helicopters such as Z-8, Z-9, or Z-18 for vertical replenishment and transport duties.

Both the Type 903 and Type 903A replenishment ships operate as central logistics platforms for Chinese surface groups by carrying fuel oil, fresh water, cargo, and ammunition. These vessels have been repeatedly documented supporting Chinese naval operations in regions including the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the Philippine Sea, as well as far sea escort missions. Luck estimated that China has likely constructed an additional four Type 903A ships beyond the original series, and imagery since early June shows several newly built units undergoing testing. The Type 903A is considered by analysts to be more important than the larger Type 901 for many routine operations because it supports smaller surface action groups and carrier formations alike. Reports confirm that new ships launched at Guangzhou and Wuhu match the general characteristics of the 903A class, though the possibility of refinement in later iterations remains open. The expansion of the 903 and 903A fleet is also linked to China’s stated objective of developing capabilities for sustained operations farther from the mainland. This makes the class a key enabler of China’s increasing far-seas presence. The increase is aligned with China’s ambition to operate more regularly in distant maritime zones without a reliance on shore-based infrastructure.

The Type 903 and Type 903A fleets currently include nine active vessels distributed across the North, East, and South Sea Fleets, with additional ships undergoing sea trials or in assembly as part of a second batch. This existing inventory has been heavily used to support escort missions, overseas deployments, and participation in international exercises. New vessels under construction at GSI in Guangzhou and Wuhu Shipyard represent a continuation of this expansion. Several sources mention that the PLAN has begun sea trials for at least two new 903A type ships, while additional units are progressing through outfitting or block assembly. Luck noted that the doubling of this type of ship is not unreasonable, given both the increasing demand placed on the fleet and the need to build resilience for potential conflict scenarios. His assessment describes the current fleet as rather insufficient, considering the high rotational tempo of operations. This conclusion is supported by reports of frequent deployments of 903A ships in support roles far from home waters. The increased number of replenishment ships, therefore, helps reduce strain on the existing fleet.

China’s dual carrier operations in the western Pacific further demonstrate the importance of the 903 and 903A ships. During operations in May and June 2025, Liaoning and Shandong relied on both Type 901 and Type 903A replenishment ships to sustain flight operations and maneuvering drills in the Philippine Sea and waters near Japan. Satellite imagery documented underway replenishment involving Liaoning and a 903A during extended operations near Guam. The carrier groups were observed operating within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, indicating the necessity of reliable at-sea logistical support. The presence of 903A ships within these formations illustrates their essential function for supporting carrier operations beyond the First Island Chain. Reliability and availability of these ships directly influence the duration and scope of carrier missions. Their role in these deployments demonstrates why growing the fleet is viewed as necessary for future operations. The support they provide allows the PLAN to extend the reach of its naval aviation assets farther from the mainland.

Additional reporting confirms that the PLAN’s expanding global presence relies heavily on the Type 903A class. Naval vessels from China have conducted missions farther from home, including in Europe, Africa, and around Australia, challenging the dominance of other major navies in distant regions. These operations require sustained access to fuel, water, and ammunition while underway, making replenishment ships fundamental assets for maintaining extended deployments. Analysts and defense observers describe the Type 903A as a principal component of China’s logistical structure, supporting long-range tasks without dependence on foreign port access. The Pentagon has identified these ships as part of a sizable force of capable logistic support platforms enabling long-distance operations. Newsweek reported that China’s acquisitions demonstrate its seriousness in pursuing the goal of expanding military capability. Tom Shugart stated that such platforms are essential for extending the PLAN’s reach as it operates farther from home on a regular basis. These observations collectively reinforce the significance of increasing the number of 903A ships.

Despite the increase, several assessments underline that the PLAN still faces structural constraints that make the expansion of replenishment ships essential. China has limited overseas bases, relying mainly on Djibouti and Ream, both of which offer restricted capacity compared to the basing networks available to other major navies. Without a broad network of ports and depots, the PLAN must meet most logistical demands through at-sea replenishment, increasing reliance on these auxiliary ships. Studies note that the PLAN previously fielded only a small number of frontline replenishment ships, creating challenges for sustaining widespread global operations. A Type 903A is estimated to be able to support a small task group for about two weeks before requiring replenishment itself, which places limits on long-duration missions. Increasing the number of 903 and 903A ships, therefore, directly addresses gaps in China’s ability to support distant operations.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.