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Very much needed IMHO the IAF's number of IFR capable a/c is increasing year on year so the demand on its AAR assets is only going to increase. For its own needs the IN defiantly needs it own assets. It seems the IN will simply buys a few of whatever AAR wins the IAF's MRTT completion (most likely A330 MRTT). The IAF too needs to signifcantly increase its order to be able to have a fleet of atleast 18-22 AARs by 2017-22. I'm sure they'll do this though after a the funds are there.Navy considering having its own Tanker and AWACS fleet
Growing number combat fleet in Indian air force with midair refueling capability in next few decade is forcing, Navy to considering buying its own dedicated fleet of Mid- air refuelers , Indian air force purchased six IL-78 based Mid- air refueling aircrafts from 2003 on-wards and navy has been sharing it with air force to refuel their own Sea Harriers .
With modernization of many of the combat jet in the Indian air force fleet (Mig-29UPG , Jaguars ,Tejas ) with midair refueling probe and growing aircrafts in its own fleet of combat aircrafts (Mig-29k, N-LCA) , Navy is worried about not finding mid-air refuelers for training with its crew for this particular task in future .
IAFs IL-78MKI have already logged hundreds of hours in in-flight refueling hours after their induction in 2003 and also have participated in many international air exercise including in prestigious Red Flag exercise in United states , as per sources this aircrafts will require engine change soon ,since they have been flying almost on every day basics and have clocked in very high number of hours since it was required to provide in-depth training for Fighter pilots since it was a new capability which Indian air force had acquired .
Indian air force is already considering purchase of more six such aircrafts , and Russia have again offered IL-78 for IAFs requirements along with offers from Airbus on their Airbus A320 , and has per recent media reports Airbus might have won the deal . Navy wants to purchase two of tankers for its own fleet .
Navy also seems to be interested in going for DRDO developed AWACS platform for its naval sea patrolling, Navy has already ordered Eight Boeing developed P-8l AWACS to replace Tu-142M and IL-38 platforms from its fleet and recently increased the orders by ordering four more P-8l , increasing the acquisition to 12 aircraft.
Navy considering having its own Tanker and AWACS fleet | idrw.org
Indian Naval Dhruv helicopter during airshow at Kochin
That is the refuelling probe dangling from the tailfin up there! Ohhhh....I can already smell work for the
A330 MRTTs!!
When is the 4th one coming to join in its nose into this lot?
When is the 4th one coming to join in its nose into this lot?