India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the acquisition of six Boeing 767-based multirole aerial refuelling aircraft (MRTT) to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) long-range operational capabilities. The program, valued at approximately ₹90 billion ($1.1 billion), is intended to significantly enhance aerial refuelling capacity and support sustained combat operations across extended distances.
Under the plan, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), working in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will convert six pre-owned Boeing 767 commercial aircraft into advanced aerial refuelling tankers. IAI reportedly became the sole qualified bidder after European and Russian competitors failed to meet India’s stringent technical specifications and domestic production requirements. Officials expect the final contract to be signed by March.
The new tankers will replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of Ilyushin Il-78MKI aircraft, which have struggled with persistent maintenance and availability issues. Fleet serviceability reportedly fell below 50 percent between 2010 and 2016, well short of the IAF’s operational benchmark of 70 percent. Acquired in 2003, the Russian-built aircraft are nearing the end of their effective service life and are increasingly incapable of supporting modern fighters such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas.
The procurement aligns with India’s broader push to modernize its air combat fleet. According to GlobalData, India is projected to invest $82.6 billion in fixed-wing aircraft over the next decade. Recent approvals include the acquisition of 114 multirole fighter aircraft valued at ₹3.25 trillion ($36 billion), along with a $7 billion contract awarded to HAL for 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighters. Analysts note that while aerial refuelling platforms are not frontline assets, they are critical force multipliers that dramatically expand operational reach, endurance, and strategic deterrence.
