The Indian Air Force is set to significantly enhance its operational endurance with the procurement of six new mid-air refuelling aircraft from Israeli firm, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). Valued at approximately Rs 8,000 crore, this deal signifies a major leap in India’s aerial warfare capabilities. Defence sources confirm that IAI is the preferred bidder, with a proposal that leverages existing Boeing 767 airframes.
Under the proposed plan, IAI will acquire six Boeing 767s and meticulously convert them into advanced aerial refuelling tankers. These modernized aircraft will then be integrated into the Indian Air Force’s operational inventory, providing much-needed reinforcement to its long-range mission capabilities.
A crucial aspect of IAI’s bid is its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company has agreed to substantial offset obligations, promising to incorporate approximately 30% of the project’s value into India’s domestic industrial ecosystem. This adherence to local manufacturing requirements has given their proposal a distinct advantage.
While other international aerospace companies, including Russian and European entities, participated in the bidding process, IAI’s proposal proved to be the most compliant with India’s specific criteria. The requirement for indigenous content on repurposed aircraft was a particular challenge that only the Israeli bid successfully addressed.
The Indian Air Force has long struggled with an aging and insufficient refuelling fleet, currently comprising six Russian-built Il-78 tankers. For nearly 15 years, efforts to acquire additional tankers have been hampered by various internal and external obstacles. The current fleet supports vital combat operations but is unable to fully meet the demands of modern air power projection.
Commanders point to the increasing range of new fighter aircraft and the growing complexity of strategic deployments as drivers for this urgent need. The limited refuelling capacity restricts the Air Force’s ability to sustain prolonged missions far from home bases. The recent temporary charter of a tanker aircraft underscores the critical shortfall.
This impending acquisition is seen as a pivotal moment for the Indian Air Force, moving a long-delayed project towards a concrete conclusion. Preparations are underway for final approvals, with the expectation that a contract will be finalized soon, equipping the force with enhanced global reach.