Russia’s defence ministry has indicated its intention to acquire Ilyushin’s Il-96-400VT and VKP designs to meet its future requirements for 20-40 strategic tankers and four airborne command post aircraft. Ilyushin believes it could sell a further 60VT tankers to export users such as China and India, while the Il-96-400 could also replace Russia’s Beriev A-50 airborne early warning platforms.
Source: Flight International