SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring a strategic expansion of its aerial refuelling capabilities, focusing on acquiring Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. Following past setbacks in finalizing a procurement deal, the IAF is now considering a wet lease arrangement for a French Air Force-owned Airbus A330 MRTT, along with new proposals from Airbus and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The IAF is actively re-evaluating its plans to lease one Airbus A330 MRTT from the French Air Force for three years. The wet-lease option would provide the IAF with a cost-effective, short-term solution to augment its aerial refuelling capabilities and gather operational experience with the platform.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address gaps in the IAF’s tanker fleet, which currently relies on the ageing IL-78 tankers that face operational and maintenance challenges.
Airbus has presented the IAF with a new offer to supply six Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft. The Airbus A330 MRTT, a versatile platform capable of aerial refuelling and military transport, has been twice selected as the winner of the IAF’s tender for new refuelling aircraft. However, the acquisition was previously blocked by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) due to the platform’s high costs.
Airbus’ renewed proposal comes at a critical time, as the IAF reconsiders its long-term refuelling requirements. The wet-lease evaluation could influence the IAF’s decision to either directly procure the six Airbus A330 MRTTs or adopt a different approach.
In parallel, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has teamed up with the IAF to offer a cost-effective alternative—a converted Boeing 737 aircraft, repurposed from passenger to aerial refuelling roles. HAL claims the pre-owned Boeing 737 conversion will be significantly more affordable than purchasing new Airbus A330 MRTTs. However, HAL’s proposal awaits the issuance of a formal tender from the IAF to move forward.
While a converted Boeing 737 is less capable than the Airbus A330 MRTT in payload and range, it presents an economical solution that could complement the IAF’s refuelling needs for non-intensive missions.
If the wet lease trial of the Airbus A330 MRTT proves successful, the IAF may re-initiate a formal tender for new refuelling aircraft for the third time, potentially securing a long-term fleet of Airbus A330 MRTTs. However, the possibility of HAL’s Boeing 737 conversion proposal gaining traction cannot be ruled out, especially given its cost-effectiveness.
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