New Delhi, Oct 2026 : The Indian Air Force (IAF) is moving closer to finalising a long-pending contract for six Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft, in a major push to strengthen its aerial refuelling and strategic airlift capabilities. The proposed acquisition, estimated to cost between ₹8,000 crore and ₹9,000 crore, is expected to see deliveries phased between 2028 and 2030.
The project is aimed at addressing a longstanding operational gap in the IAF's fleet. The force currently operates six ageing Russian-origin IL-78 tanker aircraft, which have faced recurring maintenance and serviceability challenges, limiting their availability for operational requirements.
Under the proposed arrangement, pre-owned Boeing 767 aircraft are expected to be converted into advanced multi-mission tanker transport platforms. The conversion work is likely to be undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), bringing together international expertise and Indian aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Unlike conventional tanker aircraft designed primarily for aerial refuelling, the proposed MMTTs will be capable of performing multiple roles. Apart from transferring fuel to fighter aircraft in flight, they are expected to support troop transportation, cargo movement and other strategic airlift missions.
The additional capabilities will provide the IAF with greater operational flexibility during peacetime, humanitarian operations and military contingencies.
Aerial refuelling to boost combat reach
The acquisition is expected to significantly improve the operational range and endurance of India's frontline combat aircraft, including the Rafale and Su-30MKI fleets. Aerial refuelling enables fighter aircraft to remain airborne for longer periods and undertake missions over extended distances without depending entirely on forward airbases.
This capability is particularly important for sustained air operations, air superiority missions and deployments across India's strategically significant regions. The new tankers are also expected to support future combat aircraft inducted into the IAF.
With growing operational requirements across multiple theatres, additional refuelling capacity would help the Air Force improve mission flexibility and sustain long-range operations.
Boeing 767 conversion offers cost advantage
The proposed acquisition also marks a departure from earlier efforts to procure newly manufactured tanker aircraft.
Previous procurement competitions had favoured the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) during technical evaluations. However, the acquisition process did not progress, largely due to cost considerations.
The conversion of pre-owned Boeing 767 aircraft into tanker platforms is being viewed as a comparatively economical alternative. The approach is expected to reduce acquisition costs while providing the IAF with the required aerial refuelling and transport capabilities.
The estimated project cost of ₹8,000 crore to ₹9,000 crore is significantly lower than the expenditure generally associated with procuring new-generation tanker aircraft, although the final cost and contractual terms will depend on the formal agreement.
HAL to support India's defence manufacturing push
The programme is also aligned with India's efforts to increase domestic participation in major defence procurement projects and strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities.
HAL is expected to play an important role in aircraft integration, maintenance and long-term support, in collaboration with the overseas conversion partner. Greater Indian industrial participation could help develop expertise in specialised aircraft modification, systems integration and lifecycle maintenance.
Once the contract is formally signed, deliveries are expected to take place in phases from 2028 to 2030, gradually expanding the IAF's tanker fleet.
The proposed acquisition is considered an important capability upgrade for the Indian Air Force as it seeks to improve aerial refuelling capacity, extend the reach of combat aircraft and strengthen its ability to conduct sustained long-range operations.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
