IAF's Long Wait For New Mid-Air Refuelling Aircraft Set To End As Defence Ministry Mulls Rs 10,000 Crore Proposal: Report

The Defence Ministry is reportedly considering a Rs 10,000 crore proposal for acquiring six mid-air refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Additionally, plans are underway to procure three airborne intelligence gathering aircraft, aiming to develop indigenous sensor technologies and systems.

The proposal to acquire six mid-air refuelers could see some forward movement.

Also Read: Paytm CEO Meets Finance Minister Sitharaman, RBI Officials Amid Regulatory Concerns: Here's All You Need To Know

Being processed under the 'Buy Global' category given the limited numbers needed, the proposal could see pre-owned aircraft being converted into mid-air refuellers, Economic Times reported citing sources.

The IAF seeks to replace its IL 78 refuelling aircraft of Russian origin, exploring options from Airbus and Boeing.

With limited global availability, the possibility of acquiring used civil airliners and converting them into multi-role tankers is being explored.

While pre-owned aircraft can be acquired from the global market, the process of converting them to tankers, which requires precise engineering and certification, could be done with local partners, the ET reported.

This marks the IAF's third effort since 2007 to procure these tankers, with two prior tenders being discontinued due to pricing disputes.

In both of the earlier attempts, the Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) was chosen by the IAF instead of the Ilyushin Il-78 MKI.

However, in both instances, the process was halted due to budgetary constraints.

This time the IAF aims to buy six 'pre-owned' or 'used' aircraft, which can subsequently be converted into mid-air refuellers.

These aircrafts are intended to serve for 25 to 30 years.

The IAF is actively seeking an Indian maintenance partner for the tankers.

Apart from the these six refuellers, IAF is also looking to lease another mid-air refueller for training purposes, and a process regarding this has already been initiated.

Once integrated into service, the refuellers will fill a critical capability gap within the IAF's inventory.

Serving as a vital strategic asset and force multiplier, these tankers will extend the airborne endurance of fighter aircraft.

Presently, the IAF operates a fleet of six Russian IIyushin-78 tankers procured in 2003-04. They provides limited refuelling support to the Navy's MiG-29K fighter jets, as well.

However, only three to four of them are typically operational at any given time.

Also Read: Foxconn Invites Bids For Construction Of Chip Plant In India, Earmarks Rs 1,200 Crore For The Project: Report