IAF Set For Major Capability Boost By 2026 As Defence Ministry Clears Refuellers, AWACS, Missiles And MRFA Push
The Indian Air Force moves to expand its reach and surveillance as cleared acquisitions lay the groundwork for a significant enhancement of air power over the next few years. AI generated picture via DALL-E
The Ministry of Defence has cleared a sweeping set of acquisitions that will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat reach, surveillance depth and air defence capabilities, positioning it as a far more formidable force by 2026.
The approvals include mid-air refuellers, airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, additional missiles for frontline platforms and faster progress on the long-pending multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) programme.
What are the approval processes that are to be completed?
At the heart of the plan is the acquisition of six Boeing 767-based mid-air refuellers from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a project estimated at around ₹10,000 crore.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), and a cost negotiations committee is being constituted to finalise the price.
Once negotiations are complete, the proposal will be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. The new refuellers are expected to replace the ageing IL-76M fleet inducted in 2003, which has been plagued by maintenance and availability challenges.
How is IAF planning upgrades for its surveillance platforms?
In parallel, the defence ministry is moving ahead with a major upgrade of the IAF’s airborne surveillance capabilities.
A request for proposal will be issued for six Embraer aircraft from Brazil to host the DRDO-developed Netra Mk II AESA radar, offering a 270-degree coverage along with enhanced electronic warfare and network-centric warfare features.
Additionally, six Airbus A319 aircraft are being upgraded in France with 360-degree rotodome radars to convert them into full-fledged AWACS platforms.
What lessons on Meteor missile did Operation Sindoor teach the IAF?
The DAC has also approved the purchase of 36 additional Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for the Rafale fleet, following earlier clearance for 280 missiles for the Russian-origin S-400 air defence system.
These decisions come amid lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor, which highlighted Pakistan’s advantage in AWACS numbers.
What are the plans for the MRFA programme?
Groundwork has also begun to expedite the acquisition of 114 MRFA under the “Make in India” framework, with France emerging as a frontrunner given existing Rafale infrastructure and MRO facilities in India.
Separately, India and Russia are advancing discussions to procure five more S-400 systems and the Pantsir medium-range air defence system, strengthening protection against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
