The acquisition of the Il-78 tankers is a major departure for the PLAAF, which currently relies on about 10 Xian H-6Us - obsolete H-6 bombers fitted with underwing hose-and-drogue pods.

• 伊尔-78空中加油机的到来对于的中国空军来说是一个重要标志,当前中国空军依赖大约10架由老式轰-6轰炸机加装加油软管与吊舱西安轰-6油空中加油机。