In a significant development for India's defence indigenisation goals, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has declared its readiness to comply with the Indian government's stringent requirement for a 30 percent indigenous content in its bid to supply mid-air refuelling aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This move directly supports the 'Make in India' initiative in the critical defence sector.
IAI's Commitment to 'Make in India'
The company is responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of six mid-air refuelling aircraft, a capability crucial for extending the operational range of the IAF's fighter jets. IAI's proposed solution is based on the Boeing 767 multi-mission tanker transport (B767 MMTT) platform. A senior IAI executive confirmed that the company has thoroughly studied the RFP's indigenous content clause and is confident in its ability to meet the 30 percent 'Made in India' mandate through partnerships with local Indian defence companies.
This commitment involves planning substantial work share for Indian partners, which could include manufacturing major structural components, electrical subsystems, and other elements within the country. The approach is designed not only to fulfil the contractual obligation but also to transfer valuable technology and build long-term industrial capacity in India's aerospace ecosystem.
The Strategic Need for Aerial Refuellers
The Indian Air Force's current fleet of mid-air refuellers is limited and ageing, creating a critical capability gap. The six new refuelling aircraft are intended to significantly enhance the IAF's power projection and endurance. These aircraft allow fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas to be refuelled in mid-air, dramatically extending their mission range and time on station. This capability is vital for both defensive patrols and potential offensive operations across India's vast geographical expanse and strategic interests.
The procurement process has seen previous attempts stall, making the current RFP a high-priority project for the air force. IAI's main competitor in this tender is expected to be Airbus Defence and Space, which is likely offering its A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The competition underscores the global interest in India's modernising defence market.
Broader Implications for India-Israel Defence Ties
IAI's proactive stance on the indigenous content requirement reflects a deepening and maturing defence partnership between India and Israel. Israel is already one of India's top defence suppliers, providing advanced systems across various domains. By aligning its bid with India's national policy priorities, IAI is positioning itself as a collaborative partner rather than just an equipment vendor.
Success in this tender would mark a major milestone, representing one of the largest defence deals between the two nations with a strong indigenous manufacturing component. It would set a precedent for future high-value defence contracts, demonstrating how foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can successfully integrate with India's 'Make in India' framework. The final decision by the Indian Ministry of Defence will hinge on technical evaluation, cost, and the robustness of the indigenisation plans presented by the competing firms.
The outcome of this procurement will be closely watched, as it balances immediate operational needs with the long-term strategic goal of building a self-reliant defence industrial base. IAI's declared readiness to meet the local content rule adds a compelling dimension to this crucial acquisition for the Indian Air Force.
