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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to get six new mid-air refueling aircraft which will give major boost its air power. These planes will be built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as part of a new India-Israel partnership. The deal is expected to cost around Rs. 8000 crore. For the past 15 years the IAF has been trying to replace its old refueling aircraft. Currently the Air Force operates six IL-78MKI tanker planes that were bought from Russia in 2003–04. These aircraft have become outdated and are difficult to maintain. The Russia-Ukraine war has also made it harder to get spare parts. Because of these challenges India decided to move ahead with a new deal with Israel. How the new tanker aircraft will be made? IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group will purchase six old Boeing 767 passenger planes and convert them into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft. These upgraded planes will be able to perform several roles i.e. refuelling other aircraft in mid-air carrying troops and equipment and even taking part in surveillance missions when needed. IAI has nearly 40 years of experience in building and converting such aircraft and has completed similar projects for 12 different countries. The company recently signed a partnership with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which means that in the future parts of these aircraft could be built or maintained in India itself. Big Made in India boost About 30 per cent of this deal will come under the Made in India program meaning Indian companies including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and several private firms will play a major role in the project. This will help create new jobs in India and promote advanced technology development in the country’s aviation sector. The addition of these new refuelling aircraft will nearly double the strength of the Indian Air Force. Fighter jets like the Rafale and Sukhoi-30 will be able to fly much longer missions without needing to land for refuelling. This means Indian jets could operate from the Indian Ocean all the way to China’s borders without interruption. A milestone in India-Israel defence partnership This deal is more than just a purchase it marks a new level of defence cooperation between India and Israel. The agreement will significantly enhance India’s air strike capability logistics support and long-range mission power. The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of 2025 giving the Indian Air Force an even greater edge in the skies.
