IAF to get mid-air refuellers, signal intelligence aircraft

The air force is likely to get mid-air refuellers that are crucial force multipliers, with the ministry considering a ₹10,000 cr proposal to acquire six of the aircraft. Plans to acquire three airborne intelligence gathering aircraft under a project that will see the development of indigenous sensor technologies and systems are also likely to move ahead.

Sources said the proposal to acquire six mid-air refuellers could see some forward movement. Being processed under the ‘Buy Global’ category given the limited numbers needed, the proposal could see pre-owned aircraft being converted into mid-air refuellers.

IAF is looking to replace its IL 78 refuellers of Russian origin and is considering options offered by Airbus and Boeing. Given the limited global availability of such aircraft, an option to purchase used civil airliners and get them converted into multi role tankers is being explored.Sources said while pre-owned aircraft can be acquired from the global market, the process of converting them to tankers, which requires precise engineering and certification, could be done with local partners.

Forward movement is also expected on a ₹6,000-cr project for three airborne intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance platforms vital to map out battlefields and monitor enemy movements in real time. Under the project, the sensors and monitoring equipment will be indigenously developed with the DRDO as the lead agency and the aircraft will be a commercial/executive jet acquired from abroad.

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