Israel’s IAI Frontrunner To Secure ₹8,000-Crore IAF Aerial Refuelling Aircraft Contract
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on the verge of finalising a major acquisition
deal worth around ₹8,000 crore for six mid-air refuelling aircraft, expected
to be awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Israeli state-owned
aerospace firm has emerged as the sole qualified bidder in a competitive
process that has been ongoing for several years.
IAI’s proposal involves converting six pre-owned Boeing 767 commercial
aircraft into state-of-the-art aerial refuelling tankers for delivery to the
IAF. The company’s experience in similar conversions for international clients
has positioned it strongly in the contract race. The converted tankers will
significantly enhance the endurance and operational range of India’s fighter
jets.
According to defence sources, IAI has met all critical tender requirements,
including compliance with India’s indigenous content clause through a 30 per
cent “Made in India” offset contribution. This local participation will
channel work opportunities to Indian firms involved in avionics, maintenance,
and component manufacturing.
The competition initially saw bids from Russian and European aerospace firms,
yet IAI remained the only compliant vendor. Other participants reportedly
failed to satisfy key technical and localisation criteria related to the
refurbishment and modification of second-hand aircraft.
The IAF currently operates six Russian-origin Il-78MKI tankers based at Agra,
which provide strategic support across its front-line fleets, including
Su-30MKIs, Rafales, and MiG-29Ks. However, the service requires additional
refuelling capacity to support its growing operational demands and extended
reach missions.
Over the past fifteen years, multiple attempts to induct additional tanker
aircraft have stalled due to cost, evaluation, and procedural hurdles. The
proposed IAI deal marks renewed progress in the IAF’s long-standing effort to
strengthen aerial refuelling capabilities, critical for power projection
across the Indo-Pacific.
In the interim, the Air Force resorted to wet-leasing a tanker aircraft to
temporarily address its shortage. Nevertheless, the projected induction of six
Boeing 767-based tankers will address long-term strategic gaps, ensuring
sustained support for future aircraft and multi-theatre operations.
If finalised, this acquisition will represent a major step in India–Israel
defence collaboration and mark IAI’s largest air-support program in South
Asia.
| Specification | IAI Boeing 767 MRTT (Proposed) | Il-78MKI (In Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Israel (Converted second-hand Boeing 767) | Russia (Ilyushin) |
| Refuelling Method | Boom and hose-drogue compatible | Hose-drogue only |
| Fuel Capacity | Approx. 91 tonnes | Approx. 110 tonnes |
| Operational Range | About 12,000 km (without refuelling) | About 7,300 km |
| Payload Flexibility | Passenger, cargo, and medevac roles | Limited to fuel and small cargo |
| Engines | Twin turbofans (Boeing 767 platform) | Four D-30KP turbofans |
| Maintenance Efficiency | High, due to civilian airliner base | Difficult, age and spare constraints |
| Avionics and Systems | Modern glass cockpit, NATO-compatible | Legacy analogue cockpit systems |
| Crew Requirement | Reduced (modern automation) | Higher (manual operations) |
| Expected Induction Timeline | 2028–2030 (post-modification) | Operational since early 2000s |
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