Indian Air Force Chief Outlines Modernization Plans
Indian Air Force Chief Outlines Modernization Plans AIN DEFENSE PERSPECTIVE » OCTOBER 12, 2012 by NEELAM MATHEWS India’s decision on a multi-role tanker transport is expected imminently, with Airbus’s A330 MRTT believed to have the edge over its Russian competitor. (Photo: Airbus Military) October 12, 2012, 11:40 AM The Indian Air Force ( IAF ) is poised to take important decisions on new helicopters and refueling aircraft, said Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne in a briefing to mark the service’s 80th anniversary and the release of a new, unclassified doctrine document. The IAF ’s choice of a new multi-role tanker transport ( MRTT ) should be announced “in a few weeks,” said Browne. The requirement has been bid twice, with the Airbus A330 MRTT and Ilyushin Il-78 in contention. Life cycle costs, which were not a consideration in the first competition, “will be a key determinant this time, an...