A new Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling tanker was spotted in russia, which, with a fairly high probability, was manufactured for export. Although the question of a possible buyer seems simple on the one hand, in reality there may be some nuances.
The video with the flying tanker was published on social networks. It was noted that most likely this aircraft was manufactured for export, as there is a 3-digit number on the tail instead of the usual 5 digits for the russian Aerospace Forces, and there is also no russian symbolism on the aircraft.
Read more: India Ends 20-Year Refueling Tanker Search, Chooses Boeing 767 Over Il-78
Defense Express notes that there are practically no other markings on the aircraft, so perhaps the number on the tail may not yet say anything about the future operator. However, we do not have an exact answer to this question.
If we list possible buyers of such an aircraft, the first to come to mind is China, which was interested in purchasing the Il-78MK-90A in 2023. This is evidenced by documents from the russian Rostec state corporation leaked in the fall of 2025. According to them, deliveries were expected in 2027-2028.
If a potential purchase deal was made, the current video could confirm such a delivery timeline. However, it is currently unclear whether the russians were able to sell the aircraft to the Chinese, as the latter are already producing their own more modern counterpart called the YY-20A.
Another alternative potential buyer could be Indonesia, which allegedly expresses interest in the Il-78MK-90A as part of the modernization program for 2025-2030. It was noted that the country submitted a corresponding request to the russian side.
It should be noted that the Indonesians' interest was just has announced at the end of July 2026, that is, less than a month ago. Even if they managed to sign a secret contract, it is very doubtful that production under this contract could have already begun. It should also be mentioned that a few years ago, a decision was made to purchase European A330 MRTTs for the Indonesian Air Force.
There is another alternative from Defense Blog, which, citing its own sources, suggested the option of another possible buyer - Algeria. This country reportedly signed a contract for three new Il-78s with an option for three more.
Defense Express notes that Algeria is currently a major buyer of russian weapons, including Su-57E fighters and Su-34E bombers, and is already operating older versions of the Il-78s it purchased in Ukraine, so the possibility of Algeria purchasing new tankers now sounds plausible. However, the Algerian order has not yet been confirmed by other sources, so this option cannot be considered confirmed either.
Another country not mentioned here could also be the buyer. So far, neither russian officials nor representatives of the russian industry have commented on who the new flying tanker may be intended for. It is not necessary to completely rule out the possibility that it may be intended for supply to the russian military, and the tail number was simply not applied to the end. Thus, the russian Aerospace Forces ordered 10 new aircraft of this type in 2020.
Recall that the Il-78MK-90A is an export version of the russian aerial refueling tanker, which is developed and manufactured on the basis of the Il-76MD-90A airlifter. We remind you that russia is actively producing these aircraft – according to available data, in 2025 alone, at least 5 Il-76MD-90A aerial refueling tankers were manufactured.
Read more: Why India Plans to Convert Civilian Boeing 767s into Tankers Instead of Relying on russian Il-78s
