Indian Air Force Progresses Toward Acquiring Six New Aerial Refuelling Aircraft After Prolonged Delays
The Indian Air Force is making significant progress in acquiring six new mid-air refuellers, an acquisition that is critical to enhancing India's operational capabilities and projection of airpower. According to defense sources, a technical evaluation of proposals from three to four international aerospace companies is currently underway, marking a major step forward in a process that was initially set in motion in 2007.
An IAF official indicated that the aerial tankers being considered are undergoing a detailed evaluation based on various factors such as performance, compatibility with the existing fleet, and feasibility of long-term maintenance. While the specific companies involved have not been disclosed, the Airbus A330 MRTT and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus are reportedly among the contenders.
Mid-air refuellers are regarded as "force multipliers" because they significantly extend the range and endurance of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and surveillance platforms. This capability is increasingly necessary as India navigates complex regional security challenges, including heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control with China and ongoing threats from the western border.
The IAF currently relies on a fleet of six Ilyushin IL-78MKI refuellers, which were acquired between 2003 and 2004. These older Soviet-origin aircraft have become inadequate for modern air operations, creating an urgent need to close the capability gap. Previous efforts to procure refuellers, such as a 2010 tender for Airbus A330 MRTTs, were abandoned due to cost and budgetary issues.
This current evaluation suggests a strategic shift, with the IAF now prioritizing sustained air operations, deep strike capabilities, and logistical endurance. Upon concluding the technical evaluation and selecting a platform, the IAF plans to partner with Indian firms for ongoing maintenance and lifecycle support, aligning with the government's Make in India initiative. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Tata Advanced Systems are potential partners in this effort.
The refuellers under consideration are expected to include both boom and probe-and-drogue refuelling systems, ensuring compatibility with the IAF's varied fleet of Su-30 MKIs, Rafales, and Tejas fighters. These platforms are designed for increased survivability in contested airspace and integration with modern electronic warfare and communication systems.
Defense analysts have praised this move as a crucial development in transforming India's airpower capabilities. Retired Air Marshal Vikram Sharma emphasized, "Mid-air refuellers will enable the IAF to conduct 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 accelerates, a final decision is expected in the coming months, potentially inaugurating a new era of operational flexibility and strategic depth for the Indian Air Force.
