IAI Set to Secure ₹8,000 Crore Contract for Indian Air Force Refuelling Aircraft
In a significant move to enhance India's air-to-air refueling capabilities, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is set to finalize a ₹8,000 crore contract for supplying six mid-air refueling aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Defense sources have indicated that IAI, a state-owned company from Israel, emerged as the only vendor to meet all technical and offset prerequisites in a global bid, including a requirement for 30% of the content to be made in India.
The agreement will involve converting six pre-owned Boeing 767 commercial planes into aerial refueling tankers. These aircraft will be fitted with advanced refueling and avionics systems prior to their delivery to the IAF. This initiative is part of India's broader strategy to enhance indigenization and capabilities in the aerospace industry.
Presently, the IAF operates six IL-78 tanker aircraft of Russian origin stationed at the Agra Air Force Station. These tankers support refueling for major fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and MiG-29. Nevertheless, operational issues and maintenance limitations have underscored the necessity for additional refueling aircraft.
For more than a decade, the Air Force has repeatedly attempted to acquire additional tankers, with previous efforts involving Airbus and Russian firms failing due to cost and compliance challenges. The proposal from IAI, which involves repurposing second-hand aircraft with substantial local content, seems to align with the IAF's goals for cost-effectiveness and strategic independence.
The new refueling aircraft fleet is anticipated to expand the operational range of IAF's fighter jets, improving India's capability to project air power over extended distances and sustain operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
