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.
Russia unveiled a new Il-78MK-90A aerial refuelling tanker intended for export, fueling speculation of a deal with Algeria.Algeria is believed to have signed a contract for three Il-78 tankers, with options for three more, amid a broader Russian military package.Algeria’s oil revenues fund its ongoing military modernization, making it Africa’s largest military spender, partly in competition with Morocco.The Il-78MK-90A provides enhanced in-flight refuelling and operational range for Algerian aircraft, further integrating advanced Russian platforms into its air force.
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.
The possible Algerian connection has been strengthened by the tanker’s light desert-style colour scheme, which aviation observers say resembles the markings associated with Algeria-linked Su-57E and Su-34 aircraft.
The Il-78MK-90A is Russia’s latest aerial refuelling tanker designed to extend fighter aircraft range and endurance. Image credit: Defence Blog
More broadly, Algeria’s reported interest in the Il-78MK-90A fits into Moscow’s wider strategy of promoting complete military capability packages rather than selling individual weapons systems.
In June 2025, Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev outlined a defence package combining advanced aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems, armoured vehicles, naval platforms, air defence systems and counter-drone technology.
The air component included the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter, Su-35 multirole aircraft, Il-78MK-90A aerial refuelling tanker, Ka-52E attack helicopters, Mi-17 transport helicopters, drones and associated missile systems.
The package also featured air defence platforms such as the S-400 Triumf, S-350E Vityaz, Pantsir-S1M and electronic warfare systems, creating a layered network designed to protect aircraft and ground forces.
For Algeria, the Il-78MK-90A would complement its expanding fleet of Russian-built combat aircraft by providing the endurance required for longer-range missions.
The Il-78MK-90A is Russia’s latest export-oriented aerial refuelling tanker, based on the modernised Il-76MD-90A heavy transport aircraft.
Unlike the Il-76, which is designed mainly for carrying troops, cargo and equipment, the Il-78 family is built to refuel military aircraft in flight, extending their range and endurance.
The Il-76 platform is already operated by countries including India, China, Pakistan and Algeria for strategic airlift missions, while the Il-78 variant adds specialised aerial refuelling capability.
The Il-78MK-90A can transfer up to 78 tonnes of fuel through three UPAZ-1M hose-and-drogue refuelling pods mounted beneath its wings and rear fuselage, supporting multiple compatible aircraft.
Notably, the aircraft is powered by four PS-90A-76 engines, offering improved fuel efficiency while retaining strategic air mobility roles such as cargo transport and medical evacuation.
All indications point to Algeria as a possible customer for the Il-78MK-90A, as the country is one of the few nations operating a broad Russian-built military ecosystem that combines fighter jets, support aircraft, missiles and defensive systems.
Rather than acquiring individual weapons systems, Algeria has been developing an integrated air power capability built around Russian technology.
The North African country became the first foreign operator of Russia’s Su-57E export stealth fighter after the United Aircraft Corporation confirmed the delivery of the first two aircraft in November 2025.
The country is expected to operate around a dozen Su-57E fighters, adding to its existing fleet of Su-30MKA multirole fighters, MiG-29S/M/M2 fighter jets, Su-24MK2 strike aircraft, Il-78 tankers and other Russian-made aviation platforms.
With aerial refuelling capability, Algerian fighters would be able to remain airborne for longer periods, expanding their ability to conduct patrols, surveillance, interception and strike missions across North Africa and beyond.
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Algeria’s military expansion is supported by its energy wealth, with oil and natural gas revenues providing the financial foundation for defence spending.
The country allocated $25.4 billion to defence, making it Africa’s largest military budget and accounting for roughly 8.8 per cent of its gross domestic product.
That investment has allowed Algiers to pursue a more advanced air power strategy, combining frontline fighter aircraft with support systems designed to increase operational reach and effectiveness.
