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)
India continues to beat around the bush concerning obtaining new air-to-air tankers, but a leasing option could be on the way.
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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
-
![German Armed Forces receive first of 82 H145M helicopters]()
German Armed Forces receive first of 82 H145M helicopters
The H145s have been named “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (light combat helicopter), or LKH for short, by the German Armed Forces.
