IAF will soon have most of the combat aircraft capable of being refuelled in mid-air

The beginning of this millennium has seen introduction of two major force-multipliers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). First were the flight refuelling aircraft (FRA) in 2003 and the airborne warning and control system (AWACS) in 2009. Undoubtedly, it has taken the IAF into a different league, able to cover a much larger operational footprint. It is equally praiseworthy that operators and the maintenance staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been able to not only absorb the newer technologies but also exploit these to the Indian requirements.

Having inducted 6 IL-78 FRA in 2003, the IAF has bid for six more tankers and a RFP has been issued in September 2010. The new contract could be worth about $2 billion (Rs. 9,000 crore) with IL-78 and Airbus A330 as likely contenders. Boeing has not entered the race with its 767 based tankers.

IAF will soon have most of the combat aircraft capable of being refuelled in mid-air. There is no doubt then that the need for FRA will also increase in the years ahead enabling the IAF to use the country’s depth to its advantage. Unlike the aircraft or radar strengths, there are no specific government approved numbers for the tankers or AWACS. However, the IAF will need to convince the Ministry of Defence on the logic for asking more of these. Ideally, two tankers per squadron would allow total flexibility of planning operational missions, but it will naturally mean a much higher budget provision. With induction of C-130J aircraft for Special Operations, it is possible that mid-air refuelling of helicopters to be used in such operations will also need to be planned in future acquisitions.