The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has officially cleared a ₹9,000 crore project to acquire six mid-air refuelling tankers, moving the Indian Air Force (IAF) a step closer to modernising its fleet with the Boeing 767 platform.
This acquisition will be executed through a collaborative effort between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This decision represents a strategic pivot towards more efficient, multi-role refuellers designed to meet India’s specific operational needs, effectively addressing the long-standing capability gaps left by the ageing IL-78 fleet.
According to sources close to the development, the IAF has set strict criteria for the selection of the aircraft. The Boeing 767 airframes chosen for this conversion must be less than 10 years old.
This requirement is based on a practical assessment of aircraft lifecycles; since commercial jets tend to fly intensively during their early years, acquiring relatively younger airframes ensures they retain enough structural life for long-term military service.
By adhering to this standard, the IAF aims to operate these tankers reliably for at least the next 30 years, guaranteeing stability for the fleet.
A key component of this deal is the extensive transfer of technology (ToT) from IAI to HAL. Reports indicate that IAI has committed to a significant technology sharing agreement, enabling HAL to handle the manufacturing, repair, and overhaul of critical refuelling subsystems domestically.
Approximately 30 per cent of the technology involved will support indigenous production, specifically for components related to internal fuel tank structures.
This partnership not only secures the hardware but also substantially boosts India’s domestic defence industrial base in a highly specialised sector.
Unlike traditional military tankers that often require specialised support, these aircraft are derived from a widely used commercial platform, allowing for a different maintenance approach.
The IAF intends to utilise local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities within India, taking advantage of the country's expanding civil aviation infrastructure.
This strategy is anticipated to lower operational costs, ensure higher aircraft availability, and streamline logistics, offering a distinct advantage over the complex supply chains required for legacy military-only fleets like the IL-78.
In addition to the refuelling equipment, the aircraft will receive significant military-grade modifications.
These upgrades will include advanced secure communication suites, navigation systems, and tactical interfaces necessary for seamless interoperability with frontline fighter jets and other airborne platforms.
Such integrations are vital for fitting the tankers into the IAF’s network-centric warfare environment, ensuring safe and precise refuelling missions during high-stakes air operations.
The conversion process is scheduled to follow a rigorous timeline. Before any modification begins, each aircraft will be subjected to a complete overhaul to restore its service life and verify structural soundness.
The integration of refuelling systems will then proceed in phases, with the first fully modified tanker expected to join the IAF fleet around 2030 or 2031.
This schedule accounts for the intricacies of acquiring the airframes, performing overhauls, integrating complex fuel systems, and obtaining necessary military certifications.
Ultimately, the Boeing 767 Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) programme strikes a balance between economic efficiency and operational capability.
By utilising younger commercial airframes, ensuring indigenous support through HAL, and leveraging local MRO capabilities, the IAF is not only enhancing its strategic reach but also reinforcing India’s long-term self-reliance in the aerospace sector.
This move effectively fills the void left by previous unsuccessful attempts to procure tankers, such as the Airbus A330 MRTT, providing a robust solution for the future.
