SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s military aviation capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, March 28, 2025, signed a contract with Metrea Management, a private company specializing in air-to-air refuelling services, for the wet leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA). The agreement stipulates that Metrea will provide a KC-135 aircraft within six months, marking the first time the Indian Air Force (IAF) has opted for a wet-leased FRA. This move is aimed at enhancing the air-to-air refuelling training for pilots of both the IAF and the Indian Navy.
According to an official statement from the MoD, the KC-135, a proven aerial refuelling platform, will bolster the operational readiness of India’s armed forces by providing critical training opportunities. Wet leasing, which includes the provision of the aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance, offers a flexible and efficient solution for the IAF, which has been seeking to augment its refuelling capabilities.
Metrea Management, headquartered in the United States, is a private entity with a growing reputation in the aerial refuelling domain. The company currently operates a fleet of four KC-135 aircraft, originally acquired from the Singaporean government. The KC-135, a military derivative of the Boeing 707, has been a mainstay of air forces worldwide, notably the U.S. Air Force, for decades. Its versatility and reliability make it an ideal choice for the IAF’s training needs.
The KC-135 is equipped with dual refuelling systems: the flying boom and a drogue system. The flying boom, a rigid telescoping tube operated by a boom operator, serves as the primary method for transferring fuel mid-flight. Additionally, the aircraft can deploy a shuttlecock-shaped drogue, enabling it to refuel aircraft equipped with probe systems. This dual capability ensures compatibility with a wide range of fighter jets and other aircraft in the IAF and Indian Navy inventory.
The selection of the KC-135 came as an unexpected twist in the tender process. Industry observers had widely anticipated that the French Air Force’s Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) would emerge as the frontrunner to supply one A330 to the IAF on lease. The A330 MRTT, a modern and advanced platform, has been adopted by several air forces globally and was seen as a strong contender due to its multi-role capabilities, including troop transport and medical evacuation in addition to refuelling.
However, Metrea’s KC-135 emerged “out of the blue” to clinch the contract, underscoring the competitive nature of the bidding process. While the specific reasons for the MoD’s decision remain undisclosed, factors such as cost-effectiveness, availability, and the ability to meet the six-month delivery timeline may have tipped the scales in favor of the KC-135.
The wet leasing of the KC-135 represents a pragmatic step for the IAF, which has historically relied on a limited number of aerial refuelling assets, such as the Russian-built IL-78 tankers. By integrating the KC-135 into its training regimen, the IAF aims to enhance the endurance and reach of its fighter fleet, a critical factor in modern air warfare. The Indian Navy, which operates carrier-based aircraft like the MiG-29K, will also benefit from the expanded training opportunities, potentially improving its operational flexibility in maritime missions.
This contract with Metrea also highlights a growing trend of collaboration between national militaries and private entities. By leveraging commercial expertise, the MoD can address immediate operational needs without the long-term financial commitment of acquiring and maintaining additional aircraft.
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