IAF Seeks to Triple Mid-Air Refueling Capabilities

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a major expansion of its mid-air refueling capabilities, aiming to address serviceability issues and meet the demands of its growing combat aircraft fleet.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently granted renewed Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for six new mid-air refuelers, a significant step as the IAF looks to triple its current fleet and reach its target of 18 total tankers.

The Need for Expansion​

The IAF's existing fleet of six Russian-made IL-78MD aerial refuelers has proven insufficient and unreliable. These aging aircraft are critical for extending the IAF's operational reach, enabling fighters to strike deeper into enemy territory or patrol for longer durations.

Mid-air refueling is a force multiplier, making the IAF's expanded ambitions in this domain a major priority.

Contenders in the Race​

The lucrative IAF contract has drawn attention from multiple aerospace leaders:

• Airbus: The European giant is a strong contender with its battle-tested A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport). This platform's commercial success and proven capabilities make it a formidable choice.
• HAL-IAI Partnership: India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) propose a potentially more cost-effective conversion solution, transforming Boeing 737 aircraft into aerial refuelers.
• Boeing: The American aerospace heavyweight offers its KC-46 Pegasus tanker, potentially through a government-to-government deal for streamlined acquisition.
• Embraer: The Brazilian company seeks to break into the market with its C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, with the potential to develop a dedicated tanker variant tailored to the IAF's needs.

Strategic Considerations​

The IAF is considering short-term solutions like leasing an A330 MRTT from France, likely for evaluation and to bridge the capability gap. Airbus has a strong track record with the IAF, potentially favoring its platform for future purchases.

The key challenge lies in balancing cost-effectiveness with capability. The A330 MRTT's proven track record comes with a significant price tag, a factor that previously hindered its acquisition.

The HAL-IAI solution and Embraer's potential development offer potential economic advantages but require careful assessment of their capabilities in comparison. Boeing's KC-46 could be a major player, particularly if attractive terms are offered through a government-to-government deal.

Conclusion​

The IAF's drive to greatly enhance its mid-air refueling capabilities signals its focus on power projection and greater operational flexibility.

The outcome of this multi-billion dollar tender will have significant strategic implications, shaping the IAF's capabilities for years to come.

 

[beencensured]

This article is absolute rubbish! India have already signed a deal with Israel to modify some older Boeing planes into flight tankers. This will then teach us how to modify them and we can use this knowledge to expand even more tankers whenever we want.

Tank and a pipe really difficult engineering? This why mental coolie need to be put in asylum because they never apply their mind or even try to ask private /govt to modify. Totally shameless.

 

[kumar]

IAF has to triple its fighter strength first.

 

[Rajesh]

If c390 is selected for the 20-30 ton cargo transport aircraft deal and are made in india under tot then we can order 10 air refuellers in this category plus the hal/IAI deal to convert 5 or 6 used Boeing jets which will also give us enough tech to develop a refuellers should be enough till an indigenous bigger platform is developed like what china is doing with y20.

 

[Anant]

So, has anything changed or will it repeat?

The optimist in me says things will happen differently, while the pessimist in me says they won't.

The pragmatist in me, however, sees things differently. Depending on which option is selected and the associated pricing considerations, a procurement might just about go through this time. It is a notable concern that the Il-78 fleet is aging and will need replacement in a few years.

What I feel might happen is that the Il-78s may get a life extension, and the IAF may procure 12 FRAs in a 6+6 manner, where we procure 6 dedicated new refuelers, and work towards converting 6 existing aircraft into FRAs. Once the Il-78 fleet reaches the end of this revised lifespan (around 2040), further procurement of 6-8 FRAs may happen based on the experience with the current procurement aircraft.

 

[Anant]

Tank and a pipe really difficult engineering? This why mental coolie need to be put in asylum because they never apply their mind or even try to ask private /govt to modify. Totally shameless.

You can't just put up tanks and a pipe with a fuel transfer probe at the end of it onto an aircraft and call it a tanker. There are a lot of isolation and pressure-maintenance concerns, etc.

That said, a FRA conversion isn't exactly rocket science either, and is something we should have managed indigenously by now. Still, if the current plan of modifying second-hand aircraft works out, nothing better.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

Boeing 737 hal iai partnership one should selected, its cheap.

 

[Avada kedavra]

And what ghe clowns at IAF has done is again approach Russia to do a life extension of the ilyushin tanker 🤣
Didn't they forgot one of them was shot down in ukraine?

 

[Ajath]

The best and surest way forward is to acquire used A330s with good life left and have them converted in India with the help of Airbus for a very quick conversion.

During Covid19 pandemic, many airliners were selling almost brand new A330s at throw away prices.
India could have used them for at least troops transport until it could have negotiated with Israel or France for MRTT conversion in India only.

I wonder why MoD has not picked up a dozen of them to convert them in India.

A330 would be an ideal choice. IAF is also planning to have A330 based AEWS. Maintenance and operating cost can be lower.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Acombination Large planes like Airbus A- 330 , Boeing 737 and C-130 aircraft need to be inducted for refuelling

 

[Rational Guy]

More of an aspirational item. There isn't enough money for 3 classes of fighters, AWACS, mid-air refueling aircraft, multiple classes of transport planes, weapons and what not.

We need to give more importance to AWACS and EW capability for air systems as 2019 showed we were lacking in AWACS and EW capability.