Indian Air Force Completed the Test Aircraft A-330 and IL-78

Indian Air Force had completed additional testing of aircraft A-330 companies "Airbus Militaire" and the Il-78MD Russian UAC within the procurement program six multi-role tanker planes MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport).


The program cost is estimated at 100 billion rupees (about $ 2 billion). According to "United Press International," assessment of the possibilities of aircraft at the airbase Gwalior followed by tests in Spain and Russia, which took place in July 2011.


A new tender for the supply of aircraft MRTT was announced in September 2010 after 9 months after the cancellation of the first program. Defence of India has issued an initial request for proposals for the supply of six multi-MRTT tanker planes in 2007. Proposals were submitted by the end of 2008. The tender was attended by the "Boeing" with the aircraft on the basis of "Boeing 767", "Airbus Militaire" A-330 and the KLA with the IL-78MD-90. After the evaluation the Indian Air Force chose the winner of the aircraft A-330 MRTT company "Airbus Militaire." However, the Ministry of Finance refused to approve the contract for the purchase of these air tankers because of its high cost.

According to the Ministry of Finance, procurement of tankers Il-78, which will complement the park acquired in 2004, this type of aircraft would be more appropriate. Despite the choice in favor of the Indian Air Force A-330, the Finance Ministry canceled the program and recommended that a new tender, using the best methods of assessment.


Tests in Gwalior include refueling of Su-30MKI, "Mirage 2000" and MiG-29, consisting of the Air Forces of India. Opening of proposals and closed bidding procedure with "Airbus" and "Ilyushin" will begin later this year. In 2003-2004. Indian Air Force acquired six in Uzbekistan made Il-78 tankers that can carry 75 tons of fuel and provide the opportunity of refueling in the air, the armament of aircraft "Mirage 2000", "Jaguar" and Su-30MKI. However, the Air Force command declares that they meet the requirements of modern warfare.

So far, "Airbus" has entered into contracts for the supply of tanker transports A-330 MRTT with four countries, including Australia, Britain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. In December 2011 the company "Airbus" placed fourth out of five ordered A-330 MRTT Royal Australian Air Force. The fifth plane will be passed this year. For the Air Force of Saudi Arabia "Airbus Militaire" for a total of 6 aircraft to deliver A-330 MRTT. Transfer of first place in the near future. UAE Air Force delivery of the first of three aircraft ordered is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.

Consortium "EyrTanker" program project FSTA (Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft) will buy 14 transports, tankers A-330 MRTT «Voyager", which will be owned by the company and used for the Air Force of Great Britain.