Airbus could miss out as India’s air refueller saga drags on
HAL has emerged as a potential dark horse in the race for converting six preowned B-767s into aerial refuellers. (Photo: IAI)
Amid heightened demand for aerial refuelling capabilities in India, Airbus Defence faces a potential setback in securing defence contracts in the country due to escalating costs and concerns over trust.
Airbus Defence could jeopardise its prospects of winning India’s yet-to-be-released bid for six preowned aerial tankers despite having been among the favourites for the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
A recently retired senior Indian Air Force official aware of procurement matters told Shephard that a “lack of trust” from Indian officials could become an issue. The lack of trust would be related to a Request for Proposal (RfP) addressed by Airbus for six preowned Air India A321s. Airbus had committed to a lower cost before the RfP was released but the costs significantly escalated after the RfP was
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![How the MQ-9B's interoperability is driving future market success]()
How the MQ-9B's interoperability is driving future market success
With numerous nations, including the UK, committing a combined US$9.99 billion to acquiring the MQ-9B MALE UAV according to Shephard Defence Insight data, the capability now looks set to soar as UAV spending rises globally.
-
![DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone]()
DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone
Launched at DSEI 2025 for the first time, the first-person-view uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is available as 10-inch and 7-inch variant, ideal for surveillance or one-way strike missions.
-
![Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft]()
Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft
As the home of British helicopters, Leonardo has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence for over a decade to advance technologies underpinning uncrewed rotorcraft. Today, in partnership with DE&S Future Capabilities Innovation and the Royal Navy, Leonardo is spearheading the next step in that journey: from remotely piloted technologies to fully autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes]()
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
