Months after delivering the first Su-57E stealth fighters to Algeria, Russia has unveiled a new Il-78MK-90A aerial refuelling tanker in export configuration, raising speculation that the aircraft could join Algeria’s growing fleet of Russian-built military aircraft and support systems.
The aircraft’s appearance has drawn attention from aviation observers after reports suggested it may be part of Algeria’s plans to acquire additional tanker capability.
While some social media users claimed the aircraft was produced under a contract to supply 20 Il-78 tankers to China, Defence Blog reported that aviation analysts and industry sources have disputed those claims, pointing instead to Algeria as a more likely customer.
Previously, reports indicated that Algeria had signed a contract with Russia for three Il-78 tankers, with an option for three additional aircraft, as it seeks to strengthen its air power amid growing regional competition with Morocco and Egypt.
However, neither Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport nor Russian authorities have officially confirmed the customer for the newly unveiled aircraft.
