In-flight refuellers boost India's strike capabilities

Tuesday, 04 March 2003, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: India's ability to carry out long-range aerial strikes has received a major boost with the induction of the first of six in-flight refuelling aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Il-78 aircraft, which functions as a flying tanker by carrying up to 35 tonnes of fuel to replenish strike aircraft like Mirage 2000 and Su-30MKI, was received by Defence Minister George Fernandes during a visit to Uzbekistan last weekend. India has ordered six Il-78 aircraft from Uzbekistan and the rest are expected to arrive in India by the end of the year, said an IAF spokesman. The first in-flight refuelling aircraft -- inducted on Monday after a 16-member Indian crew led by Group Captain Shauvik Roy flew it into the country from Uzbekistan -- will be based in Agra and form part of the newly raised Squadron 78. Currently India is only the sixth country in the world to have in-flight refuelling aircraft. The induction of the Il-78 meets a long-standing demand of the IAF top brass, which wanted the aircraft as a "force multiplier" to enhance the capabilities of frontline jets. For example, the Su-30MKIs will be able to almost double their range of over 3,000 km with in-flight refuelling. "This will allow our aircraft to strike deep within any neighbouring country if the need arises," said an IAF officer who did not want to be named. "In-flight refuelling will also help us to project power over vast stretches of the Indian Ocean." The IAF sent some aircrew and maintenance personnel for training in Uzbekistan to operate the Il-78 aircraft. Each of the four-engine aircraft has three refuelling points, one each under the wingtips and the tail. The Su-30MKIs have been fitted with refuelling adapters and these will also be fitted on IAF's Mirage 2000 and Jaguar deep penetration jets.
Source: IANS
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