China Orders 20 Russian Il-78MK-90A Tankers, a Signal of Lack of Confidence in the YY-20?

 Leaked Documents: China Orders 20 Russian Il-78MK-90A Tankers, Signaling Lack of Confidence in YY-20

Despite having already produced the Xian YY-20 tanker (previously known to military observers as the Y-20U or YU-20), China has reportedly placed an order for 20 new Ilyushin Il-78MK-90A tankers from Russia. This news is quite surprising and has raised speculation that China is dissatisfied with the YY-20's capabilities.

As reported by Zona Militar, a newly leaked document published on social media reveals that the Chinese Air Force is reportedly awaiting delivery of 20 new Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft purchased from Russia. If the acquisition goes through, the aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Chinese Air Force between 2027 and 2028.

• It should be noted that the Il-78MK-90A aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 210,000 kilograms and can reach speeds of up to 800 km/h, according to its manufacturer. To fulfill its refueling role, each aircraft is equipped with up to three refueling points and can carry up to 78 tons of fuel over a minimum range of 1,000 kilometers.

The manufacturer, Rosoboronexport, emphasized that the aircraft is capable of taking off from both paved runways and more difficult locations with dirt tracks, thus providing greater operational flexibility.

With this capability, the aircraft will allow China to bolster its aerial refueling fleet, which currently consists primarily of Russian-made Il-78s and domestically produced H-6U aircraft—both of which are considered obsolete 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 repair and maintenance, deliveries took place between 2014 and 2016. On the other hand, the H-6U is based on the original H-6 bomber design, which was modified for aerial refueling missions and entered service in the 1990s.

• The aforementioned YY-20 is currently considered the only known alternative for the Chinese Air Force. Since there has been no official statement, it is currently unknown whether the potential acquisition of the new Russian Il-78MK-90A aircraft is intended to extend the development period and integration of the YY-20 platform, diversifying the aircraft type, or, conversely, reflecting a negative assessment of the YY-20's capabilities.
• The latter scenario appears to be the most likely, given the number of aircraft ordered and the estimated delivery date. Consistent with this, China has already integrated the first YY-20 refueling aircraft, with a formal order placed with the Xi'an Aircraft Company [XAC] in 2022.

Regarding its recent operational history, the aircraft participated in missions alongside Egyptian MiG-29M/M2 fighters between April and May this year, as part of the bilateral Civilization Eagles 2025 exercise.

The Il-78MK-90A is a multirole tanker aircraft developed from the modernized Il-76MD-90A transport version. The 'MK' designates its conversion capability, and the '90A' refers to the use of modern engines and avionics.

The aircraft is powered by four Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 turbofans [more powerful and fuel-efficient than the D-30KP engines of the older variant] with a cruising speed of approximately 850 km/h. It can carry up to 78 tonnes of fuel [when operating within 1,000 km of its base].

The maximum takeoff weight is 210 tons and the takeoff distance is shorter, approximately 1,550 meters (400 meters shorter than the older-engined version).

The refueling method uses a probe-and-drogue system with three refueling pods: two under the wings and one in the tail. The Il-78MK-90A is convertible; after the fuselage fuel equipment is removed, the aircraft can be quickly converted into a military transport aircraft with a maximum payload of up to 60 tons of cargo.

The Il-78MK-90A is a very new variant and is the export version offered by Russia. The domestic variant of this aircraft (the Il-78M-90A) will be used by the Russian Aerospace Forces to replace its aging Il-78/Il-78M tanker fleet.

Users of the older Il-78 (non-90A variants) include India, Algeria, and Pakistan. The Il-78MK-90A aims to renew the tanker fleet in Russia and the export market.

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