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IAI Set to Bag Rs 8,000 Crore IAF Mid-Air Refuelling Deal Amid Competition

The Indian Air Force is close to finalizing a major deal with Israel Aircraft Industries for six mid-air refuelling aircraft. IAI emerged as the sole bidder after Russian and European competitors failed to meet requirements. The Rs 8,000 crore contract involves converting used Boeing 767 planes into tanker aircraft. This acquisition will significantly enhance the IAF's operational capabilities for longer-range missions.

Key Points: Israeli Firm IAI Wins IAF Rs 8000 Crore Aerial Tanker Deal

  • IAI to modify six second-hand Boeing 767 planes into tanker aircraft
  • Deal includes 30% Made in India content through offset requirements
  • Russian and European firms dropped out over indigenous content rules
  • IAF currently operates six Russian Il-78 refuelling aircraft from Agra base
2 min read

Israeli firm likely to bag Indian Air Force's Rs 8,000 crore mid-air refuelling aircraft deal

IAI to supply 6 modified Boeing 767 tankers to IAF in Rs 8,000 crore deal, meeting 30% indigenous content requirement through offsets.

"IAI has emerged as the resultant single vendor in a competitive bid - Defence Sources"

New Delhi, October 27

Looking to add new mid-air refuelling aircraft for a long time, the Indian Air Force is likely to award the around Rs 8,000 crore deal for buying six aerial tanker planes from an Israeli government-owned firm, which has emerged as a single vendor.

The Israeli firm Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), if awarded the contract, would be modifying six old and second-hand Boeing 767 commercial planes to turn them into tanker aircraft and then supplying them to the Indian Air Force, defence sources told ANI.

The IAI has emerged as the resultant single vendor in a competitive bid where it has agreed to the need for around 30 per cent Made in India content through offsets involved in the deal, they said.

The competition launched a few years ago has seen participation from Russian and European firms also, but IAI was the only one left in the race, as others were not meeting the requirements, including the one for 3-30 per cent indigenous content on second-hand planes, they said.

The Indian Air Force has been operating a fleet of six Russian-origin Il-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, which are based out of Agra and provide support to all types of fighter aircraft operations of the Indian Air Force and the Navy.

The Indian Air Force has made several attempts in the last 15 years to buy six more flight refuelling aircraft, but has failed to do so due to multiple reasons.

It has recently also wet-leased a tanker aircraft, but would require a larger number of aircraft to meet its expanding requirements. The Indian Air Force is in the process of phasing out its legacy aircraft, and its new fleet can fly for longer hours with mid-air refuelling.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why are we buying second-hand aircraft for such a crucial role? Shouldn't we invest in new platforms for better reliability and maintenance? The 30% indigenous content is good, but we need to aim higher.
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Arjun K
Israel has been a reliable defence partner for India. Their technology is proven and they understand our operational needs. Better to go with a trusted partner than compromise on quality. 👍
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Sarah B
Interesting that Russian and European firms couldn't meet the requirements. Shows our defence procurement is becoming more sophisticated. The indigenous content clause is a step in the right direction for Make in India.
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Vikram M
15 years of failed attempts shows how complex defence procurement is. Hope this deal goes through smoothly. Our pilots deserve the best equipment to protect our skies. Jai Hind! ✈️
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Michael C
Boeing 767 is a proven platform and converting commercial aircraft to military use makes economic sense. The important thing is that it meets our operational requirements and enhances our strategic reach.

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