SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making significant strides in its long-standing quest to acquire six new mid-air refuellers, a critical strategic asset to enhance its operational reach and endurance, The Indian Express has learned. According to defense sources, the IAF is currently conducting a technical evaluation of bids submitted by three to four firms for these advanced aerial tankers, marking a key step in a procurement process that began in 2007.
“The technical evaluation stage is currently underway,” a senior IAF official confirmed, noting that the mid-air refuellers fielded by the competing firms are under rigorous scrutiny. The official declined to name the firms involved but indicated that the selection process is moving forward with a focus on performance, compatibility with IAF’s existing fleet, and long-term maintenance viability.
Mid-air refuellers, often described as “force multipliers,” enable fighter jets, transport aircraft, and other platforms to extend their range and loiter time, significantly enhancing India’s ability to project power across vast distances. This acquisition is particularly vital as India faces evolving regional security challenges, including tensions along its northern borders with China and ongoing concerns with Pakistan. The IAF’s current fleet of six Ilyushin Il-78MKI tankers, procured from Uzbekistan between 2003 and 2004, is aging and insufficient to meet the growing demands of modern air operations, which include supporting long-range missions and maintaining air superiority in contested environments.
The procurement process has faced delays over the past two decades due to budgetary constraints, technical complexities, and shifting defense priorities. Previous attempts to acquire refuellers, including a 2010 tender for six Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs), were shelved due to cost concerns. However, the IAF’s renewed push reflects a strategic imperative to bridge this capability gap, especially as adversaries like China expand their own aerial refuelling fleets.
Once the technical evaluation is complete and a platform is selected, the IAF is likely to seek an Indian maintenance partner to ensure long-term operational sustainability and align with India’s “Make in India” initiative. This could involve collaboration with domestic firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) or private players such as Tata Advanced Systems, fostering local expertise in maintaining advanced aerospace systems.
The competing platforms are believed to include advanced tankers like the Airbus A330 MRTT, Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, and potentially offerings from other manufacturers, though specifics remain undisclosed. Each platform offers unique advantages, such as compatibility with IAF’s diverse fleet of Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas aircraft, as well as advanced features like boom-and-drogue refuelling systems and enhanced survivability in contested airspace.
Defense analysts view this acquisition as a game-changer for India’s airpower projection. “Mid-air refuellers will allow the IAF to conduct sustained operations far beyond our borders, from the Indo-Pacific to Central Asia,” said Air Marshal (Retd.) Vikram Sharma, a former IAF strategist. “This is critical for deterring adversaries and supporting coalition operations if needed.”
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