IAF Secures MoD Nod to Lease French A330 MRTT, Easing Pressure on Ageing Tanker Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the green light from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to lease a single Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft from the French Air and Space Force. This three-year lease is a crucial stopgap measure aimed at strengthening India's aerial refuelling capabilities amid a growing crisis in the serviceability of its ageing fleet of Ilyushin Il-78 tankers.

For years, the IAF has struggled with the low availability of its Il-78s, which were inducted between 2003 and 2004. Persistent maintenance challenges have frequently pushed their serviceability rates below 50%, well below the optimal 70% threshold required for sustained operational readiness. Given India’s vast geographical responsibilities, ranging from securing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to ensuring strategic air dominance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), an efficient and reliable aerial refuelling capability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

Why the A330 MRTT?

The Airbus A330 MRTT represents a significant leap forward in capability compared to the older Il-78s. Based on the Airbus A330-200 passenger aircraft, it boasts a massive fuel carrying capacity of 111 tonnes and an unrefuelled range of 14,800 kilometres. This allows it to support extended-range missions for aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, and Jaguar, ensuring longer airborne endurance and enhanced operational reach. Additionally, its dual-refuelling system—comprising under-wing pods and an advanced boom—enables it to refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously.

Another advantage lies in its efficiency. Unlike the four-engine Il-78, the A330 MRTT operates on just two engines, significantly reducing fuel consumption and maintenance overhead. These cost-effectiveness factors had previously led the IAF to favour the A330 MRTT over the Russian Il-78 in two separate procurement attempts in 2009 and 2013. However, despite its clear advantages, budget constraints led to both proposals being scrapped, preventing the IAF from acquiring six of these tankers at the time.

A Strategic Leasing Move

The decision to lease this aircraft is rooted in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which introduced leasing as a viable option for acquiring critical defence assets without the burden of hefty upfront costs. Under this "wet lease" arrangement, the French Air and Space Force will not only provide the aircraft but also supply flight crews and maintenance support. This ensures seamless operational deployment while allowing IAF personnel to gain valuable hands-on experience with the platform before committing to a full-scale acquisition.

Importantly, the leased A330 MRTT is expected to arrive within the 2025-26 financial year, providing immediate relief while the IAF works toward its long-term objective of permanently inducting six such aircraft. The leasing arrangement is also seen as a precursor to this acquisition, offering a real-world assessment of the MRTT’s performance under Indian conditions.

Future Implications and Long-Term Goals

While the lease provides an immediate solution, it does not replace the need for a full-fledged, dedicated aerial refuelling fleet. The IAF has maintained its commitment to acquiring six A330 MRTTs, with an official Request for Information (RFI) issued back in 2018. The experience gained through this lease will strengthen the case for finalizing this long-overdue purchase.

Notably, the IAF is already familiar with the A330 MRTT, having interacted with it during joint exercises like Desert Knight 21 and Tarang Shakti-2024. These engagements have highlighted the aircraft’s operational flexibility and its compatibility with India’s frontline fighter jets, particularly the Rafale. Given its superior high-altitude performance, the A330 MRTT is expected to play a crucial role in refuelling operations over Ladakh, where maintaining air superiority is critical.

While this lease is a welcome step, the larger challenge remains—ensuring the IAF’s long-term tanker fleet modernization plan is not derailed again by financial constraints. A fully operational, modern refuelling fleet is vital for India's air power projection, particularly in an era where long-range operations and sustained deterrence play a decisive role in national security.