Archive · 21 Nov 2025
IAF's Leased KC-135 Arrives in India for Mid-Air Refueling
The Indian Air Force has finally gotten a new mid-air refueling plane, a Boeing KC-135, from an American company.
This plane will help the IAF and the Indian Navy fly farther and do more without having to land to refuel.
The IAF has been trying to get these planes for a long time because their current refueling planes have been having problems.
Indian Air Force (IAF) leases Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker from American firm Metrea Management
Aircraft landed at IAF's Agra base and will also be used by the Indian Navy
KC-135 equipped with flying boom and multipoint refuelling systems
IAF's current refueller fleet, Russian Ilushin-78s, faces maintenance and serviceability issues
IAF has been trying to acquire mid-air refuellers since 2007 due to bureaucratic delays and financing issues
- Who
- Indian Air Force, Metrea Management (lessor)
- What
- Leased Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker mid-air refueller
- When
- Recently landed in India
- Where
- IAF's Agra base
- Why
- To enhance operational capabilities and address maintenance issues with current refuellers
- Aircraft Type
- Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
- Lessor
- Metrea Management (American firm)
- Base
- IAF's Agra base
- Utilization
- IAF and Indian Navy
- Refuelling Systems
- Flying boom and multipoint refuelling systems