Indian Air Force wants to lease air refuelling aircraft

In January 2021, it was reported that because of India's critical shortage of mid-air refuelling capability aircraft, the Bharatiya Vayu Sena (BVS, Indian Air Force) is looking for leasing air refuelling aircraft.

For this reason, both Airbus Defence & Space and Boeing were approached for financial quotes for the Airbus A330MRTT respectively the KC-46A Pegasus. During the Aero India 2021 show, Airbus seems to emerge as a front runner for this lucrative contract.

According to Indian Defence sources the Indian Air Force is looking at a 10-year lease period with Airbus. According to speculations, pointed out by the Indian news agency The Print, India could end up leasing three tankers and will go in for a large order of six refuellers based on the experience of using them.

The Indian Air Force is currently operating six Ilyushin Il-78MKI mid-air refuelling aircraft with 78 Squadron Valorous MARS at Agra Air Force Station. The type is reported to face maintenance and serviceability issues, causing the shortage in mid-air refuelling capability.

In 2018, the Indian Air Force had sought the defence ministry’s approval for a comprehensive upgrade of the Il-76MD transport aircraft as well as the Il-78MKI mid-air refuellers. The upgrade would have included new engines for the aircraft that will substantially increase its service life by up to 15 more years.

So far, the Indian Ministry of Defence did not make any move in the upgrading of the two Ilyushin type of aircraft. During shows, like Aero India, news emerges that the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and India are holding talks on the upgrade of the air force Il-76MD transporters. UAC also mentioned that they are ready to consider the opportunity of renewing the fleet of Il-78 aerial tankers. However, their main object is a contract for the upgrade of the Il-76MD.

Photo: Airbus Defence & Space