Airbus Emerges Frontrunner As IAF Looks At 10-Year Lease For Mid-Air Refueller

3 February, 2021

Airbus’ A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft has emerged as the frontrunner to the Indian Air Force’s plans to get mid-air refuellers on lease to meet their critical shortage, ThePrint has learnt.

Sources in the defence and security establishment said the IAF is looking at a 10-year lease period with the European aerospace major. They added that the frontrunner for the lease is the MRTT and not Boeing’s KC-46 tanker.

India’s refueller fleet currently comprises six Russian IIyushin-78 tankers, first inducted in 2003, which are facing maintenance and serviceability issues.

Last month, ThePrint had reported that the IAF had sought financial quotes from both Airbus and Boeing. This had led to speculation that India could end up leasing three tankers and will go in for a large order of six refuellers based on the experience of using them.

However, sources indicated that Boeing was approached primarily to understand the pricing mechanism.

Courtesy: The Print