Ilyushin Il-78 - Operators

Operators

As of 14 March 2009, 34 Il-78s remain in operation.

Algeria

• Algerian Air Force

People's Republic of China

• People's Liberation Army Air Force - 8 on order but this was later cancelled

India

• Indian Air Force - operates 6 Il-78MKI (As of February 2011).The Indian Air Force refers to the aircraft as "MARS" (Mid Air Refuelling System) and has raised a new unit (No 78 Sqn). The Il-78 and Airbus 330 MRTT are competing for the $1 billion global tender floated in 2006 by the Indian defence ministry for six refuellers.The result is expected in 2012.

Libya

• Libyan Air Force

Pakistan

• Pakistan Air Force - 4 Il-78MP aircraft ordered from Ukrainian surplus aircraft stocks, fitted with removable fuel tanks and UPAZ refuelling pods, first of 4 aircraft delivered in December 2009. A total of 4 Il-78MPs have been delivered to the PAF as of May 2012. IL-78 MRTT has a hose drogue refuelling system with a capacity of carrying 85,720 kg(188,977 lb)fuel. It has four turbofan engines, each of which is capable of delivering 118 kN (26,500 lbs) thrust. It can be used in both tanker and transport role too.

Russia

• Russian Air Force operates 19 aircraft in the 203rd Guards Air Refueling Regiment.

Ukraine

• Ukrainian Air Force operates 8 aircraft.

United States

• North American Tactical Aviation, Inc. A private firm that was previously managed by Dwight Barnell, the company also known as "NATA" purchased several Il-78s for their outsourced, air to air inflight operations with various U.S. DoD agencies and sold the Il-78 FAA registered aircraft N78GF to Air Support Systems LLC, which then leased the aircraft to Tactical Air Support Systems Inc.
• Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc. A publicly traded company listed as a U.S. bulletin board stock (TADF.OB) that claims to operate an Il-78 for outsourced U.S. an NATO contracts for air to air inflight operations with various U.S. DoD agencies. Alexis Korybut is the CEO and Chairman, Marc Shubin is a Director and Chief Pilot of the company Tactical Air Services Inc.
• Air Support Systems LLC. A private company that is the registered owner on file with the FAA as N78GF. Air Support Systems LLC is owned by Gary Fears, an individual that is known for casino gaming ties to native American tribes throughout the U.S., Air Support Systems LLC., leased the Il-78 N78GF to Tactical Air Defense Services Inc. of which Gary Fears is the largest shareholder, along with Jamie Goldstein, Don Goldstein, Joel Ramsden, Dwight Barnell, Alexis Korybut and Michael Cariello.