Russia may receive a large export order for 20 Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft for China. This is the number of aircraft Beijing considered purchasing with possible deliveries in 2027–2028, "Voennaya Khronika" reported, citing sources.
Analysts called China's interest in this particular aircraft paradoxical.
China already has its own modern tanker YY-20A based on the Y-20. Russian aircraft in this case could be used as a means of rapidly expanding the fleet while Chinese industry increases the production of its own aircraft.
Iran was also named as another potential customer, showing interest in expanding the capabilities of its combat aviation in parallel with the purchase of Su-35s.
However, there is no confirmed data on a signed contract specifically for the Il-78MK-90A with Tehran either.
The Il-78MK-90A is considered the export version of the aerial tanker. The aircraft is equipped with four PS-90A-76 engines, is capable of speeds up to 850 km/h, has a maximum takeoff weight of about 210 tons, and can transfer up to 78 tons of fuel in the air.
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