Ukraine Delivers First Upgraded IL-78 To The PAF

[Windjammer]

In Ukraine, completed the repair of the Pakistani Air Force IL-78 aerial refueling tanker​

IL-78 of the Pakistan Air Force on the territory of the Nikolaev Aircraft Repair Plant SE. Photo: Ukrspetsexport SE

Specialists of the Nikolaev Aircraft Repair Plan SE have completed the major overhaul and modernization of the aerial refueling tanker IL-78 of the Pakistan Air Force.

The press service of the Ukrspetsexport SE informed.

The work has been successfully fulfilled within the framework of a multi-million contract concluded between the state-owned enterprise Ukrspetsexport and the Procurement Office of the Pakistan Air Force in June 2020.


The Ukrspetsexport company won the tender for the repair of the Pakistani “air tanker” with the option to conclude additional contracts in the future.

IL-78 of the Pakistan Air Force takes off from the airport in Mykolaiv Photo: Ukrspetsexport SE
The recently restored and upgraded aircraft was transferred to the Pakistan Air Force and went to the base.

“The successful implementation of this contract is another confirmation of the high level of cooperation between Ukraine and Pakistan in the field of military-technical cooperation. We do not put an end to it, because we still have many joint projects ahead. And not only in the aviation industry,” – the Deputy Director General, the Ukrspetsexport SE, Artur Maksimov said.

The Ukrspetsexport called this event an important stage of cooperation with Pakistani partners.


According to Ukrspetsexport, more than ten export contracts over $150 million are currently being worked out in the armored industry alone.

“Further deepening of Ukrainian-Pakistani cooperation in the military-technical direction helps to strengthen not only the defense capability of our countries, but also fraternal relations between Ukraine and Pakistan,” – Artur Maximov said.

In June 2021 the General Director of the Ukrspetsexport SE Vadim Nozdrya within the framework of the international specialized exhibition Arms and Security, signed with the Pakistani side another contract for the modernization and repair of another IL-78 aerial refueling tanker of the Pakistan Air Force.

IL-78 of the Pakistan Air Force Photo: Wikipedia/Václav Paluzga

The Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) is developed and designed for refueling military aircraft in the air. It can also be used as a military transport aircraft.

During 2009-2012, four similar aircraft were delivered to Pakistan by Ukraine.

 

[The Eagle]

Any comments about upgrades? I see some new on airframe and the self protection/sensors as well.

 

[aziqbal]

any change on this engines ? they are too loud

also the cock-pit is straight from the 1950s all analogue

 

[[--Leo--]]

How many is planned?
How many is in process?
& upgraded or repaired?

 

[Beast]

any change on this engines ? they are too loud

also the cock-pit is straight from the 1950s all analogue

Ukraine has lost all means for peaceful upgrade.

 

[Windjammer]

Any comments about upgrades? I see some new on airframe and the self protection/sensors as well.

The modernization work of the aircraft will be carried out by Mykolaiv Aircraft Repair Plant in Southern Ukraine (NARP). Which is a complex of separate workshops. Focusing in aircraft frames, engines and aggregates, electrical equipment, avionics, radio electronics and power supply systems.

 

[Beast]

Imran

@waz @The Eagle

Please check out this spammer

 

[Raider 21]

Any comments about upgrades? I see some new on airframe and the self protection/sensors as well.

No comments other than vast majority of PAF being unhappy with their IL-76s. A huge gamble after the A-5 program as one senior service pilot said.

 

[Beast]

No comments other than vast majority of PAF being unhappy with their IL-76s. A huge gamble after the A-5 program as one senior service pilot said.

Actually, I can bet China IL-76 service center is better equipped to handle the job of upgrading than Ukraine. Given the huge turmoil in Ukraine.

 

[The Eagle]

Actually, I can bet China IL-76 service center is better equipped to handle the job of upgrading than Ukraine. Given the huge turmoil in Ukraine.

I think he meant the platform not facility or services.

huge gamble

I see that because of narrowing choice/options or why did they need to go for it?

 

[Khan vilatey]

Let’s hold off on sending any further aircraft as there may be a war in February. Why not send the next plane in May / June after the Russia occupation is complete.

K

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

No comments other than vast majority of PAF being unhappy with their IL-76s. A huge gamble after the A-5 program as one senior service pilot said.

It was the backup option after the KC-135 and A310 MRTT. The PAF even tried asking for the A330 MRTT, but Airbus (likely under pressure from the US) declined to offer it. The only tenable AAR options right now are (1) the Embraer KC-390 (but with UPAZ pods); (2) Y-20U; and (3) swinging for the fences by modding the A330 with UPAZ mods.

 

[AMG_12]

In another thread, an informed member mentioned we are getting two more of these birds. I believe it was @TaimiKhan

 

[Khan vilatey]

I was under the impression that paksitan May switch completely to y-20 for transport and refueling needs. I am not sure but I believe that both aircraft il-76 and y-20 at least initially share the same engine.

The y-20 is a much better aircraft in terms of avionics and serviceability. Why spend more money on IL-76

K

 

[Sayfullah]

What’s the difference between il-76 and il-78?