On December 29, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) under the Indian Ministry of Defense approved an allocation of 9,000 crore rupees (approximately $1 billion) for the acquisition of six Boeing 767 Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aerial refueling aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
According to Indian Defense News, the aircraft is owned by an Israeli company. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)It is supplied in collaboration with India’s state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The project will be carried out by converting used Boeing 767 aircraft obtained from the civilian market into a military platform capable of aerial refueling and multi-purpose transportation.
As per the requirements set by the Indian Ministry of Defense, the program must ensure at least 30% domestic industry participation and HAL will lead the participation of Indian companies. Aircraft modifications are handled by IAI, which has proven experience in the field.
today Boeing 767 MMTTThere is only one operating country in the world, and the Colombian Air Force has been operating a single aircraft (FAC-1202) named ‘Jupiter’ since 2010. This aircraft was modified by IAI based on the Boeing 767-200ER and is being used as an operational reference example for the model.
India’s new aerial refueling tanker acquisition program has been underway since 2006, and there have been several bidding processes. The Indian government has selected the Airbus A330 MRTT several times, but final adoption has been thwarted each time due to the high acquisition cost of at least $2 billion for six new aircraft.
By choosing the Boeing 767 MMTT, a converted second-hand aircraft, India will be able to meet the Indian Air Force’s growing aerial refueling capabilities and strategic transport needs while simultaneously securing cost efficiency and industrial flexibility.
Sources and images: Indian Defence News | Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial staff.
