Expanding IAF's Strike Capabilities: India Weighs Offer To Buy Six Airbus 330 Mid-Air Refuellers From France

The Indian government is currently considering a French offer to sell six Airbus 330 multi-role transport tanker aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in a government to government deal, Hindustan Times has reported.

These mid-air refuellers will be key to extending the strike range of IAF and Indian Navy jets. The Airbus 330 is capable of simultaneously refuelling two fighter jets due to a central refuelling boom system. The multi-role aircraft can also be used to transport 260 passengers and can also serve as an air-ambulance.

The jet is equipped with powerful engines which allow the jet to operate in high-altitudes like Leh and Ladakh.

France in its deal has offered to sell six Airbus 330 jets which are around five to seven years old. These jets will come with a 30 year platform life guarantee. The quotation by the French is reportedly much cheaper than other offers present before the government.

It was earlier reported that IAF has been unsuccessfully trying to acquire a new generation flight refuelling aircraft for the past 14 years.

The matter came to the forefront when India's five brand new Rafale fighter jets underwent mid-air refuelling over the Mediterranean Sea with the help of the French Air Force Airbus A330 Multirole Tanker Transports (MRTT) aircraft.

The IAF currently has seven seven Russian IL-76 M refuellers to meet its mid-air refuelling needs.