The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of six Boeing 767 aircraft, paving the way for their conversion into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) platforms.
This critical approval, valued at approximately ₹9,000 crore, marks a definitive move to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) persistent shortage of aerial refuelling capabilities.
The programme involves procuring pre-owned Boeing 767 airframes from the global civil aviation market. These commercial aircraft will undergo extensive modifications to transform them into advanced military tankers capable of extended-range operations.
This approach is viewed as a pragmatic and cost-effective solution compared to purchasing brand-new military tankers, a process that has faced multiple delays in the past.
Strategic Partnership with HAL and IAI
Sources confirm that the conversion and modification work will be executed through a collaborative partnership between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).This cooperation aligns with the government's 'Make in India' initiative, ensuring that significant technical know-how is transferred to the Indian defence ecosystem.
The converted aircraft will feature cutting-edge refuelling technologies, including modern avionics and mission support systems.
Unlike dedicated tankers, the MMTT configuration allows these aircraft to perform a dual role: refuelling fighter jets, transport aircraft, and special mission platforms mid-air, while also retaining the capacity to carry cargo and personnel.
This versatility is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s operational flexibility in both the western and northern theatres.
Addressing a Critical Capability Gap
The urgency behind this procurement stems from the dwindling serviceability of the IAF’s existing fleet of six Ilyushin Il-78 'Midas' tankers.Inducted in the early 2000s, the Russian-origin fleet has faced increasing maintenance issues, creating a bottleneck for long-range missions.
With the IAF expanding its operational horizons, the inability to reliably refuel fighters like the Su-30 MKI and Rafale mid-air has been a major constraint.
The new Boeing 767 tankers will offer superior endurance and payload capacity, ensuring that Indian combat aircraft can operate for longer durations and at greater distances without returning to base.
Timeline for Delivery
Defence officials indicate that the deal is on a fast track, with final contractual clearance expected as early as March 2026.Following the contract signature, the project will move into the execution phase, which includes selecting suitable airframes, structural strengthening, and the installation of refuelling booms and hose-and-drogue systems.
The first two fully operational tankers are projected to enter service by 2030, with the remaining four to follow at a rate of two per year.
This phased induction will allow the IAF to systematically retire the ageing Il-78 fleet while building a robust, modern aerial refuelling capability that will serve the nation for decades to come.
