New Delhi, April 08 (HS): India has approved a three-year lease for an Airbus A-330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft from France to enhance the Air Force’s air-to-air refueling capabilities. Currently, India operates six Il-78 refueling aircraft, which are deemed insufficient given the needs of its fighter fleet.
The lease will allow Air Force personnel to gain operational experience with the A-330 MRTT. While the arrival date of the aircraft in India is not yet confirmed, the deal is expected to be finalized in the 2025-2026 financial year. This agreement, a government-to-government initiative, will include support from French flight crews and maintenance services.
The decision follows nearly a decade of attempts to modernize the tanker fleet, with the A-330 MRTT having been previously selected in procurement efforts in 2009 and 2013, both of which were canceled due to high costs. The Air Force plans to acquire a total of six A-330 MRTT aircraft, which are versatile for conducting both air-to-air refueling and transport missions. So far, 15 countries have ordered approximately 82 A-330 MRTT aircraft.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
