Exclusive: India Approaches Accord for Six Boeing 767 Tankers, First Delivery Targeted for 2030

After nearly two decades of unsuccessful attempts to acquire new aerial refuelling aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally moving closer to significantly expanding its tanker fleet. idrw.org has learned from sources that negotiations for the acquisition of six converted Boeing 767 Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft are in their final stages, with the deal expected to be concluded later this year. According to sources, price negotiations are currently underway following the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) granted earlier this year for the programme. If negotiations conclude as planned, the first converted Boeing 767 tanker is expected to be delivered in 2030, marking the beginning of a long-awaited expansion of the IAF’s aerial refuelling capability. The programme stems from the Defence Acquisition Council’s decision in January 2026 to approve a procurement estimated at around US$1 billion for the acquisition and conversion of six second-hand Boeing 767 commercial aircraft into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport platforms. The decision represents a significant departure from India’s earlier approach of pursuing expensive factory-built tanker aircraft. Since 2006, the Indian Air Force has attempted multiple times to acquire new aerial refuelling platforms, most notably the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Despite the aircraft repeatedly emerging as the preferred choice during technical evaluations, successive procurement efforts failed because of budgetary concerns and high acquisition costs.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Indian defense modernization.
• Technology induction and operational readiness.