The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making significant strides in its acquisition of six new mid-air refuellers, a long-awaited procurement crucial for bolstering India’s operational capabilities and airpower. Current defense sources indicate that a technical evaluation of bids from several global aerospace firms is presently underway, marking a pivotal step in an acquisition process that began in 2007.
A senior official from the IAF revealed that the competing aerial tankers are undergoing thorough assessments based on essential criteria such as performance, compatibility with the existing fleet, and long-term maintenance prospects. While the names of the bidding companies have not been disclosed, it is speculated that platforms like the Airbus A330 MRTT and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus are in the running.
Mid-air refuellers are often referred to as “force multipliers” due to their crucial role in extending the operational range and endurance of various aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and surveillance drones. This capability is particularly important considering the complex regional security landscape India navigates, especially regarding escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and ongoing threats from the western border.
At present, the IAF operates six Ilyushin IL-78MKI tankers, which were acquired from 2003 to 2004. However, these aging Soviet-era aircraft are proving increasingly inadequate for the demands of contemporary air operations, prompting a renewed urgency to address this capability shortfall. Prior attempts to procure refuellers, notably a 2010 tender for Airbus A330 MRTTs, were derailed due to cost concerns and budget constraints.
The current evaluation process indicates a strategic pivot, with the IAF prioritizing sustained air operations, deep-strike capabilities, and logistical endurance. Following the conclusion of the technical evaluation and subsequent selection of a platform, the IAF is likely to seek partnerships with Indian firms for long-term maintenance and lifecycle support. This approach aligns with the government’s Make in India initiative, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Tata Advanced Systems viewed as potential collaborators.
The refuellers under consideration are expected to incorporate both boom and probe-and-drogue refuelling systems, ensuring compatibility with the IAF’s diverse fleet that includes Su-30 MKIs, Rafales, and Tejas fighters. Additionally, these platforms are designed to enhance survivability in contested airspace and integrate modern electronic warfare and communication systems.
Defense analysts regard this move as a crucial development in transforming India’s airpower capabilities. Air Marshal (Retd.) Vikram Sharma stated, “Mid-air refuellers will enable the IAF to execute sustained operations well beyond our borders, from the Indo-Pacific to Central Asia. This is vital for deterrence, rapid deployment, and potential coalition missions.”
As the evaluation process moves forward, a final selection of the mid-air refuellers is expected in the coming months, potentially marking the beginning of a new phase of operational flexibility and strategic depth for the Indian Air Force.
