India Boosts Air Power: ₹9978 Crore Deal for 6 Multirole Tanker Aircraft Approved

• India approves a $1.1 billion (₹9978 crore) deal for six Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft to enhance air-to-air refueling capabilities for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The new MRTT aircraft, based on the Boeing 767 platform, will replace aging Russian-origin Il-78MKI tankers, which are facing high maintenance costs and limited integration with modern fighter jets.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaborate with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on integration and MRO infrastructure, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
• These tankers will enable fighter jets like Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas to conduct longer-range missions, significantly extending India's strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The acquisition addresses lessons from 'Operation Sindoor' regarding fuel supply limitations and aims to bolster India's deterrence capability amid tensions with China and Pakistan.

Why It Matters: India's ₹9978 crore deal for 6 MRTT aircraft significantly boosts IAF's long-range operational capabilities and self-reliance.