SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to bolster its aerial refueling capabilities with a potential wet lease agreement for one Airbus A330-200 Phénix Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the French Air Force, with negotiations expected to conclude in the coming months. This move follows the IAF’s recent wet lease of a KC-135 Stratotanker from a US firm, signaling a strategic push to address the operational strain on its aging fleet amid heightened regional tensions. The proposed deal, likely to be a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, underscores India’s intent to enhance its long-range mission capabilities while evaluating advanced tanker platforms for future acquisitions.
The IAF’s current aerial refueling fleet consists of six Ilyushin Il-78 tankers, inducted between 2003 and 2004, which have faced persistent maintenance challenges and serviceability issues, often operating below the desired 70% availability benchmark. This shortfall has constrained the IAF’s ability to sustain extended operations, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where prolonged air patrols are critical. The recent conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, involving Operation Sindoor, highlighted the need for robust refueling support to maintain air superiority and conduct deep strikes, prompting the IAF to seek interim solutions through leasing.
The wet lease of a KC-135 Stratotanker, finalized in early 2025 from a US-based provider, has provided temporary relief, enabling the IAF to extend the range of its Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighters. Building on this, the proposed lease of the A330-200 Phénix MRTT from France aims to offer a more versatile platform, capable of both refueling and strategic transport, aligning with the IAF’s operational versatility requirements.
Designated as “Phénix” in French service, the A330-200 MRTT is a twin-engine, multi-role platform derived from the civilian Airbus A330-200 airliner. It features advanced refueling systems, including a fly-by-wire boom and hose-and-drogue pods, with a fuel capacity of approximately 111 tons—significantly higher than the Il-78’s 85 tons. The aircraft can refuel a wide range of fighter jets, transport troops and cargo, and perform aeromedical evacuations, making it a strategic asset for both combat and humanitarian missions.
The French Air Force, having retired its last KC-135RG tankers in June 2025, now operates 13 Phénix aircraft, with plans to reach 15 by 2028. The proposed lease would involve a French crew and maintenance support, ensuring seamless integration with IAF operations. This arrangement allows India to assess the MRTT’s performance in its specific operational environment without immediate capital investment, a model consistent with the KC-135 lease.
Reports suggest that the IAF has secured initial approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the three-year wet lease, with discussions likely to finalize in the latter half of 2025. The deal’s timing aligns with the IAF’s long-term goal of procuring six A330 MRTTs, a platform favored in previous tenders (2009 and 2013) but stalled due to high procurement costs. The lease serves as a trial period to validate the MRTT’s suitability, potentially paving the way for a larger acquisition under the “Make in India” framework, possibly involving local conversion of commercial A330s by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The lease also comes amid global interest in the A330 MRTT, with Airbus reporting high demand at the Paris Air Show 2025 and developing an upgraded MRTT+ variant. For India, this move signals a shift toward modernizing its tanker fleet, reducing reliance on the aging Il-78s, and preparing for future conflicts where air refueling will be pivotal.
The wet lease model, while cost-effective, poses challenges, including dependency on foreign crews and potential delays in delivery, as seen with the KC-135 transition. The IAF must also address interoperability issues with its diverse fighter fleet and ensure maintenance support aligns with Indian operational timelines. Moreover, the MoD’s cautious approach to large-scale procurement may delay a full MRTT acquisition, leaving the IAF to rely on leases as a stopgap measure.
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