India’s Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of six multirole aerial refuelling aircraft to significantly enhance the operational reach and endurance of the Indian Air Force. The program, valued at approximately ₹90 billion, will involve the conversion of pre-owned Boeing 767 airliners into tanker aircraft by Israel Aerospace Industries, in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. IAI emerged as the sole qualified bidder after competing European and Russian options reportedly failed to meet India’s technical specifications and local industrial participation requirements. The new aircraft are intended to replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of Russian-origin Il-78MKI tankers, which have long suffered from poor availability, maintenance challenges, and sub-optimal serviceability rates. Studies indicate fleet readiness often fell well below desired benchmarks, limiting long-range mission capability. Procured in 2003, the Il-78s are now nearing the end of their effective service life and are increasingly incompatible with the operational demands of modern fighters such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas. The decision comes as India undertakes a major expansion of its combat aviation inventory, with projected fixed-wing aircraft investments exceeding $80 billion over the next decade. Defence planners view aerial refuelling as a critical force multiplier, enabling deeper strike reach, longer patrol durations, and improved deterrence across contested airspace.
