A new Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling aircraft has been spotted in Russia, which has led to speculation that the aircraft may be intended for a foreign customer. The appearance of the aircraft has raised questions about who could ultimately receive it. At first glance, the absence of Russian markings and the unusual format of its serial number could suggest an export aircraft. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of conclusive evidence to support this claim.
The Il-78MK-90A is an export variant of Russia’s modern aerial tanker, which was derived from the Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft. The aircraft is intended to refuel combat aircraft while they are in the air, thereby extending their range and enabling them to remain on missions for extended periods.
Questions are raised by the unusual serial number
Video footage of the new Il-78MK-90A has become the main source of speculation about its possible export destination. The tail of the aircraft displays a three-digit serial number. This is seperate from the five-digit designation format that is often associated with aircraft operated by Russia’s Aerospace Forces.
Also, the aircraft appears to have a minimal number of Russian identification markings. This suggests that it has not yet received its final operational designation.
However, drawing a definitive conclusion solely from the serial number would be premature. The aircraft’s current number may not correspond to the military unit or customer that will ultimately operate it, as it may still be undergoing factory testing.
Therefore, the presence of an export configuration does not necessarily mean that this particular aircraft has already been sold to a foreign country.
China Remains One of the Main Candidates
China is one of the most obvious potential customers. The Il-78MK-90A has been the subject of interest in Beijing in the past. In 2023, reports suggested that the Chinese government was interested in purchasing Russian tanker aircraft. Additionally, documents from Rostec that were published in the media in late 2025 renewed speculation regarding the possibility of a transaction.
Potential deliveries may occur in 2027–2028, as indicated by those reports. If the aircraft that was recently observed is indeed intended for China, its appearance may be in accordance with the delivery timelines that have been previously discussed.
Nevertheless, there is a significant complication. China currently maintains its own contemporary YY-20A aerial tanker, which is derived from a Chinese military transport aircraft. This begs the issue of why Beijing would require Russia’s Il-78MK-90A.
The Russian aircraft could be taken into account by China for the purpose of expanding its tanker fleet, acquiring additional capabilities, or for other military-technical purposes. However, the Chinese option is not entirely certain due to the existence of the YY-20A.
Indonesia Is a More Recent Possibility
Another potential customer is Indonesia. Jakarta reportedly expressed interest in the Il-78MK-90A at the end of July 2026 as part of its modernization of the Indonesian Air Force between 2025 and 2030. According to reports, Indonesia submitted a comparable request to Russia.
However, this theory faces a major timing problem. Information regarding Indonesian interest has only recently become available. It would be challenging to definitively connect the aircraft that has been observed to a potential Indonesian order, regardless of whether negotiations are currently underway or a confidential contract has been signed.
Another factor should be taken into account. Indonesia selected the European Airbus A330 MRTT as the foundation for the development of its aerial refueling capability several years ago. Consequently, the decision to acquire additional Russian Il-78MK-90As would be somewhat unexpected.
Algeria May Be the Most Logical Option
Another potential customer could be Algeria. For decades, the North African nation has maintained close military-technical relations with Moscow and is already one of its major military customers.
The signing of a contract for three new Il-78 aircraft by Algeria, with the option to purchase an additional three, was previously reported. Algeria would be one of the most logical candidates to receive new Il-78MK-90As if those reports are confirmed.
The Algerian Air Force currently operates Il-78 tankers that were previously acquired from Ukraine and are older in design. Algeria could modernize its tanker fleet while preserving a familiar aircraft family by transitioning to a more contemporary Russian version.
However, the Algerian scenario is also unconfirmed. The reports about the contract remain unconfirmed and should not be treated as established fact.
The Aircraft Could Still Be for Russia
Finally, the simplest possibility remains: the new Il-78MK-90A may be intended for a domestic customer.
The absence of Russian identification markings may indicate that the aircraft is currently involved in testing and is still under the manufacturer’s control. Additionally, its peculiar three-digit number does not inherently suggest that it is an export customer. It is possible that the temporary factory designation will be superseded by a final military registration number before the aircraft’s transfer.
This possibility is especially important due to the fact that the Aerospace Forces of Russia have previously placed orders for new tanker aircraft. According to reports, Russia acquired ten Il-78M-90A aircraft in 2020. This implies that there is a recognized domestic need for additional aerial transports.
The Mystery Remains
The new Il-78MK-90A’s appearance may be associated with preparations for an export delivery; however, the visual evidence that is currently available is insufficient to determine its prospective operator.
The identity of the future operator remains a tantalizing unanswered question until the Russian authorities make an official announcement or other more convincing evidence regarding the aircraft’s destination is presented.