In a significant move to enhance its operational reach, the Indian Air Force is on the cusp of acquiring six advanced aerial refuelling aircraft. Sources within the defence establishment reveal that Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is the frontrunner for a deal estimated at Rs 8,000 crore. This strategic acquisition aims to dramatically improve India’s ability to sustain long-range air missions.
The Israeli firm’s proposal centers on repurposing six Boeing 767 commercial airliners, transforming them into sophisticated refuelling platforms. This approach allows for a relatively quick integration of modern tanker capabilities into the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet.
IAI’s commitment to India’s industrial growth is also a major advantage. The company has pledged to meet substantial offset requirements, ensuring that roughly 30% of the project’s value is realized through ‘Made in India’ components and manufacturing. This focus on local content has been a pivotal element in the selection process.
Competitors from Russia and Europe were considered, but none matched the comprehensive offering from IAI. The Indian Air Force’s specific demands, including a mandated percentage of indigenous parts on pre-owned aircraft, were exclusively met by the Israeli bid.
The current refuelling strength of the Indian Air Force relies on six Il-78 aircraft, a fleet that has been insufficient for its growing strategic needs. Over the past decade and a half, attempts to augment this capability have been repeatedly thwarted by bureaucratic and logistical hurdles.
With the introduction of new fighter jets capable of longer sorties, the existing tanker fleet is stretched thin. Commanders emphasize that a robust refuelling network is indispensable for projecting air power effectively across vast distances and meeting complex operational challenges. The recent temporary lease of a tanker highlights the critical gap that needs a permanent solution.
This acquisition represents a crucial step towards modernizing the Indian Air Force’s strategic assets. With final approvals anticipated, the signing of the contract is expected soon, paving the way for a substantial upgrade in India’s aerial refuelling capacity.