IAF Considers French A330 MRTT Wet Lease to Bolster Aerial Refuelling Capabilities, HAL Proposes Converted Boeing 737

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring options to enhance its aerial refuelling capabilities, with a renewed focus on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

After previous setbacks in securing a procurement deal, the IAF is now considering a wet lease arrangement for a French Air Force-owned A330 MRTT, alongside new proposals from Airbus and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The wet lease option, which involves leasing the aircraft along with its crew and maintenance support, would provide the IAF with a cost-effective, short-term solution to augment its ageing fleet of IL-78 tankers. This would also allow the IAF to gain valuable operational experience with the A330 MRTT platform.

Airbus has also submitted a new offer to supply six A330 MRTT aircraft directly to the IAF. The A330 MRTT, a versatile platform capable of both aerial refuelling and military transport, has been the IAF's preferred choice in previous tenders. However, the acquisition was previously stalled due to concerns over cost.

With the IAF actively re-evaluating its aerial refuelling needs, Airbus's renewed proposal comes at a crucial time. The outcome of the wet lease evaluation could influence the IAF's decision to either procure the A330 MRTTs directly or explore alternative solutions.

Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in collaboration with the IAF, has proposed a more cost-effective alternative: converting pre-owned Boeing 737 passenger aircraft for aerial refuelling roles.

HAL asserts that this conversion would be significantly cheaper than acquiring new A330 MRTTs. However, this proposal awaits a formal tender from the IAF before it can proceed further.

While a converted Boeing 737 may have limitations in payload and range compared to the A330 MRTT, it offers a more economical solution that could complement the IAF's refuelling needs, particularly for less demanding missions.

The IAF's final decision will depend on various factors, including budgetary constraints, operational requirements, and long-term strategic considerations. If the wet lease trial of the A330 MRTT proves successful, the IAF might initiate a formal tender for new refuelling aircraft for the third time, potentially leading to the acquisition of a dedicated fleet of A330 MRTTs. However, HAL's Boeing 737 conversion proposal could also gain traction due to its cost-effectiveness.

 

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[Raju]

IAF should try C 295, C 390, and C 130J re fuelers, C 295, because all those aircraft's are used by IAF. so they know those aircraft's flying capabilities. all those thee aircraft's are demonstrating re fueling capabilities in different Airforces..

 

[Sandeep]

Buying any brand new tankers is very expensive with Boeing or airbus which is why it was rejected. The Rafale jets need a tanker that’s compatible with their refuelling system and until we can develop or buy one then it makes sense to take out a long term lease for this tanker for at least a decade which gives us enough time to make alternative options.

It will be much better and cheaper to buy 8-10 second hand Boeing 737 planes that are in a good condition which still has a few decades of service left and convert them into a tanker or as a tanker and transporter combined.

At the same time it will teach us how to carry out the conversion 100% indigenously which includes needing to make structural changes and using our own materials, parts, components and equipment. After the first conversion we won’t need any further help and we can carry out as many conversions as we need in the future. At the same time we could offer to convert planes into tankers for other countries who can’t afford to buy brand new tankers which cost a lot.

 

[Anant]

IAF should try C 295, C 390, and C 130J re fuelers, C 295, because all those aircraft's are used by IAF. so they know those aircraft's flying capabilities. all those thee aircraft's are demonstrating re fueling capabilities in different Airforces..

The C295 would not be a good aerial refueler due to its very limited payload. The others might, though, but the C-390 doesn't fly with the IAF (atleast for now).

 

[Anant]

@Sandeep
As far as I know, the Rafales are compatible with the Cobham refueling system, which is already in use with our Il-78MKI fleet.

 

[Vikas Yadav 007]

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) decision to lease-purchase of used mid-air refuellers is a strategic move. India has acquired minimum two units each from Airbus and Boeing, comprising a complete system of refuelling tankers and Indian mission systems.
The leased aircraft include two A330 MRTTs from France, manufactured by Airbus, and two KC-46 tankers from the USA, a derivative of the Boeing 767 passenger jet.

These refuelling jets will provide the IAF with unprecedented range-enhancing capability, significantly bolstering the operational efficiency of its fighter fleet for next 20years. Mid-air refuellers are a crucial asset for any modern air force, enabling extended flight durations and enhancing overall combat effectiveness.

 

[Sandeep]

@Sandeep
As far as I know, the Rafales are compatible with the Cobham refueling system, which is already in use with our Il-78MKI fleet.

The tanker uses an Israeli type of refuelling pod but I’m not sure if they use the same one on the Rafale jets. Anyway we need a long term lease of the Airbus tankers rather than just a few years.

 

[Deepak Anant Hegde]

A rehashed article ! The idea is nothing new. Periodically every few years they talk about it and it vanishes into thin air. Two decades have passed without taking a firm decision. Basically both the Govt and IAF are making a fool of everyone including themselves!!

 

[Anant]

The tanker uses an Israeli type of refuelling pod but I’m not sure if they use the same one on the Rafale jets. Anyway we need a long term lease of the Airbus tankers rather than just a few years.

I am fairly certain the pod can be used for the Rafale as well.

Regardless, we need a purchase of new aerial refuellers in the long-term, not a long lease. For the short-term, we can lease if absolutely needed.