Il-78MK-90A Number 571 Raises Questions Over China and Algeria Export Prospects

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A video that has begun circulating on social media has once again drawn attention to potential export contracts for Russia’s new Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft. The aircraft, bearing the number “571”, shows features linked to the export version, yet the lack of any indication of its future operator has prompted several theories among open-source analysts.

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Il-78MK-90A export prospects

China and Algeria are among the countries mentioned in the discussion. For different reasons, both could be interested in expanding their air-to-air refuelling capabilities with a platform derived from the Il-76MD-90A. So far, however, no authority or company involved has confirmed a contract specifically connected to the aircraft seen.

The footage has also not made it possible to determine with certainty where it was filmed. One suggestion is that the aircraft was being moved at Aviastar-SP’s facilities in Ulyanovsk, the main production site for new transport aircraft and their tanker variants built by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

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China and Algeria as potential customers

China has emerged as one of the most widely discussed possibilities because of earlier reports of a potential order for 20 Il-78MK-90A aircraft for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Documents released in 2025 pointed to a possible negotiation, although neither Beijing nor Moscow has ever officially confirmed the deal.

If an acquisition on this scale has indeed been completed, it would provide a significant boost to China’s aerial refuelling capacity. At the same time, the prospect is notable because Beijing is already developing its own Y-20-based solution. The YY-20 is being introduced as part of China’s effort to expand its ability to conduct long-range air operations and support a growing number of combat aircraft.

In this context, a possible purchase of Russian aircraft could help speed up the tanker fleet’s expansion while domestic production continues to increase. Without official confirmation, however, no direct connection can be established between the aircraft shown in the video and the alleged Chinese order.

Algeria is another potential customer. Unlike China, the country has extensive experience with the Il-78 family and operates aircraft acquired second-hand during the 1990s. Modernising this fleet could be particularly important as the Algerian Air Force expands its combat capabilities.

The military relationship between Algiers and Moscow further supports this possibility. Russia remains one of the North African country’s leading equipment suppliers, while Algeria has advanced the introduction of new systems and aircraft in recent years. Programmes associated with this modernisation include the Sukhoi Su-35S, Su-34 and, according to various earlier reports, the Su-57 Felon in its Su-57E export version.

Some sources have also mentioned, still without confirmation, a possible Algerian order for three Il-78MK-90A aircraft. An order of this size would fit the need to replace or supplement the ageing tanker aircraft currently in service.

For now, the appearance of number “571” raises more questions than it answers. What appears to be confirmed is the existence of an export-configured aircraft, possibly connected to the UAC production line. Its customer remains unknown, while China and Algeria are, for the moment, merely the leading names suggested by the OSINT community.

Photographs: credit to the respective authors.