Israel's IAI on verge of winning $900m deal for six refuelling aircraft for IAF: Reports

Israel Aerospace Industries is reportedly close to securing an $905.7 million deal to convert six Boeing 767 jets into refuelling tankers for the Indian Air Force, with HAL likely to be its Indian partner

NEW DELHI: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is on the verge of winning a massive $905.7 million (approx Rs 8,000 crore) deal to convert six Boeing 767 passenger jets into refuelling tankers for the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to Israel media reports.Israel govt-owned IAI is a major aerospace and aviation manufacturer in the world that produces aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. It has emerged as the sole qualifying bidder after rival proposals from Russian and European firms failed to meet evaluation criteria, as per the reports.If it wins the bidding, IAI will purchase six Boeing 767 aircraft for the purpose, with a commitment that at least 30% of the work on the refuelling tanker project will be done in India under the Make-in-India initiative. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is likely to be the Indian partner for the conversion work that includes local systems integration, wiring and structural updates. Deliveries are projected to span from around 2028 to 2030 following clearance processesIAI’s Multi-Mission Tanker Transport is based on pre-owned Boeing 767 passenger aircraft that are converted into military tanker and transport platforms by IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group. The new tankers will replace or supplement the IAF’s ageing fleet of Russian-origin Ilyushin Il-78 aircraft, boosting long-range mission endurance for fighters like the Rafale and Su-30MKI. Beyond mid-air refuelling, the aircraft will support strategic airlift, cargo movement and troop transport.IAI has more than 40 years of experience in air-to-air refuelling solutions and has done dozens of conversions to air-to-air refuelling for more than 12 customers worldwide including the Israel Air Force.