Indonesia evaluates purchase of Russian Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling aircraft

Russia confirmed receipt of a formal request from Indonesia for a 2025‑2030 military equipment package that highlights the Ilyushin Il‑78MK‑90A aerial refueling aircraft. The request remains under evaluation; no contract, quantity, price, financing or delivery schedule has been disclosed by Jakarta's defence ministry.

Rosoboronexport presented a broader proposal in June 2025 that also includes Su‑57E and Su‑35 fighters, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, armored vehicles, naval platforms, layered air‑defence systems and anti‑drone capabilities. Discussions intensified after President Prabowo Subianto’s third visit to Moscow in April 2026, where he met President Vladimir Putin and explored a five‑year military cooperation package.

The Il‑78MK‑90A is the export‑version of the Il‑78M‑90A, modernised with four PS‑90A‑76 turbofan engines and a soft‑tip refuelling system capable of delivering 2,300‑3,000 litres per minute to multiple combat aircraft. It can also transport cargo and provide medical evacuation, potentially extending the operational reach of the Indonesian Air Force across the archipelago.