Airborne refuelers for IAF

Wouldnt IL-78’s be tanker versions of the IL-76’s ??

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_ID=20996639

NEW DELHI: The IAF is likely to induct potent force-multipliers in the shape of in-flight refuelling aircraft for its fighter bombers towards the end of next year.

India had signed an agreement with Uzbekistan for procurement of six Ilyushin-78 flight refuelling aircraft in February 2001. “In all probability, these aircraft will now be delivered by December 2003,” says a defence ministry official.

Incidentally, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy began a week-long trip to Uzbekistan and Ukraine on Monday. Though officials describe it as a “goodwill visit”, the issue of the IL-78 tanker aircraft and other weapon systems is likely to come up for discussions.

Much like the Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs), air-to-air refuellers have been a long-standing demand of the IAF. The IL-78s, which can carry 35 tonnes of fuel, will enable fighters like the newly-inducted multi-role Sukhoi-30MKIs to operationally cover a much larger area and add more punch to IAF’s war-waging potential.

“With such air-to-air refuellers, we will be able to fly air superiority fighters like the SU-30MKIs for over 10 hours at a stretch without landing. Similarly, longer air defence missions would also be possible. It will enhance our capabilities against China,” said an officer.