EventRU milblogger

Russia completes first Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft for China's PLAAF

Published 30 October 2026

A photograph of a newly rolled-out Ilyushin Il-78MK-90A aerial refuelling tanker bearing PLAAF markings has emerged, with reports indicating the aircraft was built in Russia specifically for China. Beijing is reportedly considering purchasing up to 20 such tankers to supplement its own Y-20U fleet, which would represent one of the larger transfers of Russian aviation hardware to China in recent years. The report has not been officially confirmed by either government.

Pictures from the cited posts

photo Boris Rozhin (Colonel Cassad)
photo Boris Rozhin (Colonel Cassad)

Sources — 1 source

Telegram channel, Russian side:Boris Rozhin (Colonel Cassad) adversary29 Oct 2026 Open the post

Topicsmanufacturing foreign involvement

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