New Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft sparks speculation over its potential operator

Over recent hours, a video that has gone viral on social media has been examined by the Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) specialist community. According to the information that has emerged, it appears to show an Il-78MK-90A transport and refuelling aircraft, the export version of the Russian-designed aircraft now manufactured by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

Il-78MK-90A export aircraft seen in viral footage

The viral footage shows the aircraft, although its precise location has not yet been identified, bearing the number “571” as it is moved to a new position. It may be at the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk, Russia, where these aircraft are currently built. Specialists have only established that it is an export variant, as noted above, prompting considerable speculation about its possible operator. Potential customers could include China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Algerian Air Force.

This issue is significant. Several months ago, leaked documents pointed to a possible Chinese government order for 20 aircraft of this type to equip the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. That prospect also sparked debate, given that the Asian giant’s aerospace industry is progressing with its own strategic transport and tanker aircraft programme, represented by the YY-20.

Possible Chinese and Algerian operators

As of today, the customary secrecy surrounding both Russia’s aerospace industry and the Chinese government means there has been no official confirmation of the acquisition of this substantial batch of aircraft.

Another potential customer may be located in North Africa. More specifically, Algeria has long-standing cooperative ties with Russia, which have been strengthened in recent years through the purchase and delivery of some of the most advanced combat aircraft manufactured by United Aircraft Corporation. These include the Sukhoi Su-35S and Su-34, as well as the fifth-generation Su-57 Felon fighter-in its Su-57E export version.

Algeria’s Ilyushin Il-78 fleet and reported order

The Algerian Air Force currently operates aircraft from the Ilyushin Il-78 family, acquired second-hand during the 1990s, although few details have been released regarding their operational availability.

Various sources have even suggested-though this remains an unconfirmed rumour-that the country may have placed an order for three aircraft. Such a purchase would align with its major air capability modernisation programme, for which Russia is its principal supplier.