Aircraft
Indian Tanker Deal May Still Be Concluded
Prevarication in Delhi strikes another big defense contract, for six A330MRTTs.
An artist's impression of an Indian Air Force A330MRTT refueling two Mirage 2000 fighters. (Airbus D&S)
An artist's impression of an Indian Air Force A330MRTT refueling two Mirage 2000 fighters. (Airbus D&S)

India has withdrawn the tender for a new air refueling tanker, more than three years after choosing the Airbus A330 MRTT  in preference to the Ilyushin Il-78 following a second round of bidding. This latest example of indecision on major defense projects, following the saga of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, is creating concern in the international defense industry that India is chronically indecisive. However, AIN has learned from a senior Indian Ministry of Defence official that the A330MRTT procurement may still be concluded, on an intergovernmental basis between Spain and India.


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