The Ilyushin Il-18 'Coot' was introduced as a sophisticated turboprop airliner for Aeroflot and served for many years not only in the civilian role but with a variety of military applications. The Il-18 had an elegant aerodynamic design and carrying capacity for over one hundred passengers, it did not enter service initially in the V-TA as a transport but rather as a VIP aircraft, however, it was not uncommon for Aeroflot units to be borrowed for temporary military requirements. After the 1970s, most Soviet aircraft were withdrawn for service although they continued to serve in other roles and some were converted into freight transports with a strengthened cabin floor and a freight-loading door. Among the other roles was that of electronic reconnaissance, and converted units were known as the Il-20. Il-20s were frequently seen over the Baltic and North Seas gathering radar fingerprints of NATO warships. The Il-20 remains in service today in Russia, India and North Korea.

The Il-18 had its maiden flight in July 1957, it entered service as the Il-18B but was soon improved in the Il-18V with a new powerplant and increased passenger load. The first dedicated military variant was the Il-18I (later redesignated Il-18D) which could be easily converted into the civilian role. Finally, the Il-18Ye lacked the four center-section fuel tanks for additional fuel. The Il-20 'Coot-A' is a dedicated Elint reconnaissance aircraft, it easily distinguished by a large container beneath the fuselage housing a variety of cameras or sensors for possible roles like jamming and communications intelligence.