During the course of yesterday, a new leaked document was published on social media, revealing that the Chinese Air Force is reportedly awaiting the delivery of 20 new Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling aircraft purchased from Russia. If the acquisition is finalized, the aircraft are expected to be delivered to pilots between 2027 and 2028. The news is somewhat surprising, as although China’s current fleet of this type of aircraft has been noted for its limitations, the country is simultaneously working on the development and incorporation of its future domestically produced YY-20 models.
It is worth recalling that the Il-78MK-90A aircraft have a maximum takeoff weight of 210,000 kilograms and can reach speeds of up to 800 km/h, according to the manufacturer. To fulfill their refueling role, each aircraft is equipped with up to three refueling points and can carry up to 78 tons of fuel over a distance of at least 1,000 kilometers. Additionally, Rosoboronexport highlights that these aircraft are capable of taking off from both paved runways and more austere locations with dirt strips, providing greater operational flexibility.
With these capabilities, the aircraft would allow China to strengthen its aerial refueling fleet, which is currently composed mainly of Russian-origin Il-78s and domestically produced H-6U aircraft—both considered outdated and in need of replacement. In the case of the Il-78, China acquired the model from Ukraine in the early 2010s, and after a period of overhaul and maintenance, deliveries occurred between 2014 and 2016. The H-6U, on the other hand, is based on the original H-6 bomber design, modified for aerial refueling missions and incorporated into service starting in the 1990s.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the aforementioned YY-20 had so far been considered the only known alternative for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force to modernize its refueling fleet. In the absence of official statements, it is currently unknown whether the potential acquisition of new Russian Il-78MK-90A aircraft is intended to extend the development and incorporation period of the YY-20 platform, to diversify aircraft types, or, conversely, if it reflects negative evaluations of the YY-20’s capabilities. The latter seems the most likely scenario, given the number of aircraft ordered and the projected delivery dates.
In line with this, it should also be highlighted that China has already incorporated the first units of the YY-20 refueling aircraft, with a formal order placed with Xi’an Aircraft Company (XAC) in 2022. Regarding recent operational history, the aircraft participated in missions with Egyptian MiG-29M/M2 fighters between April and May of this year, as part of the 2025 Civilization Eagles bilateral exercises.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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That’s a very strange news. This plane is build at the same plant in Ul’yanovsk where Il76 is build. The plant today makes up to 6 planes per year and there is a reported backlog of the transport planes for the Russian Air Force.
How can the squise there into the production schedule plus 10 airctafts per year in order to start deliveries in 2027???