Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is reportedly close to securing a contract worth approximately $905.7 million (around ₹8,000 crore) to provide six aerial refuelling aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to the Times of India. The proposed deal involves converting Boeing 767 passenger aircraft into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) platforms. IAI has reportedly emerged as the only qualifying bidder after competing Russian and European proposals failed to meet the required evaluation standards. Under the arrangement, IAI would acquire six Boeing 767s and convert them into military tanker and transport aircraft, with at least 30 per cent of the project work expected to be undertaken in India under the Make in India initiative. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to serve as IAI’s domestic partner, handling activities such as systems integration, electrical wiring modifications and structural enhancements. Deliveries are anticipated between 2028 and 2030, subject to approvals. The Boeing 767-based MMTT solution uses pre-owned commercial aircraft that are extensively modified by IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group, offering a potentially cost-effective alternative to purchasing newly manufactured tanker aircraft. The new platforms are expected to replace or supplement the IAF’s ageing Russian-origin Ilyushin Il-78 fleet, which has experienced persistent maintenance and availability challenges. Their aerial refuelling capability would extend the endurance and operational reach of frontline aircraft such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI, while supporting future long-range missions involving other fighter platforms. In addition to refuelling, the aircraft would provide strategic airlift, cargo transportation and troop movement capabilities. The acquisition forms part of India’s broader effort to improve force projection across the Indian Ocean region and along its extended borders. IAI brings more than four decades of experience in aerial refuelling technology and has completed tanker conversion programmes for more than a dozen customers worldwide, including the Israeli Air Force. Its experience, combined with HAL’s expected participation, could strengthen India’s aerospace industrial capabilities alongside the IAF’s operational reach.
