The Indian Air Force is set to significantly bolster its aerial capabilities with the acquisition of six new mid-air refuelling aircraft, a deal valued at approximately Rs 8,000 crore. Defence sources indicate that Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has emerged as the preferred supplier for this crucial procurement. The proposed acquisition involves IAI sourcing six existing Boeing 767 commercial aircraft, which will then undergo extensive conversion into state-of-the-art aerial refuelling platforms before being delivered to the Indian Air Force.
A key factor in IAI’s strong position is its commitment to fulfilling offset obligations, promising to integrate around 30% of the project’s content into India’s domestic manufacturing sector, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This dedication has placed their proposal at the forefront of the evaluation process.
Industry insiders note that earlier stages of the competition saw bids from Russian and European manufacturers. However, IAI’s offer was the only one that meticulously met all the stringent criteria set by the Indian Air Force, including specific requirements for indigenous components on second-hand platforms.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates six aging Russian-origin Il-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft based in Agra. These vital assets support a wide array of missions for both the Air Force and Navy fighter fleets. For nearly 15 years, the service has sought to double this capacity, facing persistent delays and external challenges that have stalled previous acquisition attempts.
Air Force commanders highlight an escalating need for an expanded tanker fleet. The induction of new fighter jets with extended combat radii necessitates greater refuelling support to sustain evolving operational commitments. The recent temporary solution of wet-leasing a tanker aircraft underscores the urgency of this long-pending requirement.
Air Headquarters views this ongoing acquisition as a critical advancement, bringing the decades-long project closer to finalization. Confidence is high that once the necessary approvals are granted, the contract will be signed, marking a significant leap forward for India’s air power.
