B767 Aircraft Will Be Converted Into A Multi-Mission Refueling Aircraft By HAL & IAI

The Indian Air Force will utilise the B 767 class of civil aircraft to turn them into refuelling aircraft with cargo and transport capabilities (IAF). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries to make the conversion option available in India (IAI).

Under the Make in India Initiative, the two sides would collaborate to convert a civil aircraft into a Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft.

More about the MoU

And this will aid India’s defence ecosystem in developing not only capabilities, but also cost-effective domestic solutions. This MoU will allow HAL and IAI to combine their capabilities in producing, manufacturing, and developing significant military platforms, as well as “passenger to cargo aircraft” and MMTT conversions.

In the presence of Chandraker Bharati, JS (Aero), MoD, D Maiti, CEO (MiG Complex), HAL, and Yaacov Berkovitz, VP & GM Aviation Group, IAI, a formal agreement was signed in New Delhi by D Maiti, CEO (MiG Complex), HAL, and Yaacov Berkovitz, VP & GM Aviation Group, IAI.

HAL CMD R Madhavan remarked, “This initiative of MMTT conversion business is one of the key diversification opportunities identified by HAL.” Boaz Levy, President IAI and CEO, spoke about collaborating with HAL to offer the greatest value MMTT solution to India and being a part of the Make in India programme in his speech on the signing of the MoU.

Importance of MMTT

Every Air Force in the world relies on these to assist them achieve strategic objectives and increase force capabilities throughout various operations. They aid in battle situations by increasing not just the impact but also the efficacy.

These commercial planes from the Boeing business in the United States are thought to have the lowest operating costs per trip of any wide-body airliner. These aircraft can be adapted to meet the needs of the operator, including refuelling, VIP passengers, cargo transport, and ISR systems.

Special cargo doors and built-in pallet capabilities will be available, as well as passenger seats that may be removed or erected as needed during operations. IAI has been upgrading B767s into aerial tankers for a variety of military duties as well as air-to-air refuelling.

Pre-owned B767 aircraft are converted into aerial tankers for various military roles, all having Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities, as part of the B767 conversion process.