The Indian government has approved the purchase of six new tanker aircraft to replace the outdated Russian Il-78 “Midas”. This marks the completion of a long overdue program to renew the air refuelling capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was formally launched. The new platform will be converted former passenger aircraft of the type Boeing 767 were selected as the new platform.
Their conversion into multi-role transport and tanker aircraft (MMTT) is to be carried out by the Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with the participation of the Indian aviation group Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Specifically, it is reported that the work will be carried out by the Bedek Aviation Group, while HAL is to take on up to 30 percent of the added value locally as part of the “Make in India” program.
“Midas” can no longer do it
The current fleet of six Russian Il-78MKIs – a tanker variant based on the Il-76 with three hose reel tanks – was put into service more than twenty years ago and has been suffering from significant operational and technical problems for some time. These have a direct impact on operational readiness and availability.
The IAF has repeatedly pointed out massive shortages of spare parts, which further complicate the operation of the heavily used aircraft. In view of the enormous operational area – from the Himalayas to the Andaman Islands – the Russian tanker aircraft are now considered to be overstretched and can only be supplied to a limited extent logistically. The general decline in support for Russian aircraft further exacerbates this problem.
“India’s dominance at the borders”
The project received the national status “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN), which signals fundamental political and military approval of the procurement and prioritizes the project in the procurement process. AoN thus officially confirms that the project is classified as objectively necessary for the armed forces.
Following the type decision that has now been made, a contract should be signed as early as March. Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for 2030, followed by two more per year – although schedules in India traditionally have to be viewed with a certain degree of flexibility (-> India’s Air Chief complains: “No program is ever completed on time…!”). In any case, Indian media say: “When all six aircraft are available, India’s dominance on the borders with China in the north, Pakistan in the west and the Nicobar Islands in the east will increase further.”
Several operators – but only one from IAI
During exercises, Militär Aktuell had the opportunity to experience both platforms – Il-78 and KC-767 – up close and document the technological difference between the systems. The main advantage of the MMTT aircraft based on the Boeing 767 is their ability to use both the boom and hose reel systems. This means that, unlike the Il-78, they are compatible with practically all IAF fighter aircraft types and with future training partners.
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However, IAI has so far only been represented by one operator with such a conversion: A Boeing 767-300ER was converted into the MMTT “Júpiter” for Colombia. All other converted 767 tankers – apart from the newly produced but long-delayed KC-46A “Pegasus” – come directly from Boeing conversion programs.
Between 2008 and 2010, Japan received four KC-767J tanker and transport aircraft with boom refueling for F-2, F-15J and V-22 Osprey aircraft, but later switched to a total of 15 KC-46A “Pegasus”to further expand its capabilities. The existing KC-767Js will remain in service for the time being. The Italian Aeronautica Militare also operates four KC-767As, which were introduced in 2011. They are based on the 767-200ER and are designed for aerial refueling, strategic transport and medevac missions.
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