India to opt for air-to-air tanker leasing
The IAF’s Russian-built Il-78 tankers will have to soldier on as India continues its quest to lease and/or buy tankers. (aeroprints.com. Wikimedia)
Following the withdrawal of two bids for six refuelling tankers in the past 15 years, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is zeroing in on a wet lease for one refuelling tanker for three years. A global RfP should be released before the year’s end.
It will serve up to 100h per month for training purposes. The lessor will manage maintenance and insurance.
Air-to-air refuelling training will cover all Indian fighters like the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Jaguar and Tejas.
One IAF pilot said, ‘Since [fighter] aircraft are of Eastern and Western origin, the lessor has to find a compatible
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
-
Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme
Airbus has been advancing development of its uncrewed MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps, with a decision on the programme expected in early 2026.
-
Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet
The statement from Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a parliamentary session follows the country’s Easter Agreement which would see it increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by the end of 2025.
-
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.