In a significant step to enhance India’s air-to-air refuelling capabilities, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is on the verge of securing a lucrative ₹8,000 crore contract to supply six mid-air refuelling aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This development marks a vital initiative in bolstering the IAF’s operational effectiveness and optimizing its fleet management.
Defence sources indicate that IAI, a firm wholly owned by the Israeli government, has been identified as the sole qualifying vendor in a rigorous global tender process. The company has successfully met all the stringent technical specifications and offset obligations, including the crucial requirement of 30% indigenous content in the project. This aligns well with the Indian government’s ongoing initiative to promote indigenisation in defense production.
The proposed contract involves converting six pre-owned Boeing 767 commercial jets into advanced aerial refuelling tankers. These aircraft will be outfitted with state-of-the-art refuelling equipment and avionics systems, ensuring that they meet the high standards required by the IAF. This initiative dovetails with India’s aspirations to enhance its aerospace capabilities and foster self-reliance.
Currently, the IAF relies on six Russian-made IL-78 tanker aircraft, stationed at the Agra Air Force Station, to provide essential refuelling support for various frontline fighters, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and MiG-29 fleets. Despite their crucial role, these aircraft have faced operational challenges and maintenance issues, underscoring the urgent need for additional refuellers.
Over the last 15 years, the IAF has made several attempts to procure additional tanker aircraft. Earlier procurement efforts involving Airbus and Russian manufacturers have faltered due to cost discrepancies and compliance challenges. IAI’s proposal, focusing on modified second-hand aircraft imbued with significant local content, seems to present a viable solution that aligns with both budgetary constraints and India’s strategic autonomy objectives.
The introduction of this new refuelling fleet is expected to significantly enhance the operational range of IAF fighters, thereby bolstering India’s capability to project air power across extended distances and sustain missions throughout the Indian Ocean Region. This strategic enhancement is poised to have far-reaching implications for India’s defense posture in a region characterized by evolving security dynamics.
