First official photo of PLAAF Su-30MKK mid-air refueling with Il-78

Chinese state media reported on Aug. 6 that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force had carried out a large-scale air exercise to South China Sea. Among the official photos released is one showing the Su-30MKK doing a mid-air refueling. This is the first official confirmation that the Chinese Su-30MKK has an air fueling capability.

Su-30MKK

The fighter is believed to be from the 18th Fighter Division, Hunan Province. The only aircraft in the PLAAF inventory capable of refueling the Su-30MKK is the Il-78 which entered service recently.