Indian Air Force to get 6 IL-78 A-toA refuelers in 2003

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IL-78s to join IAF next year

NEW DELHI: Six Ilyushin-78s for air-to-air refuelling combat aircraft are all set to join the IAF next year. The IL-78s will be a valuable addition to the IAF stable in light of the induction of the latest batch of Sukhoi-30 MKI last month in Pune.

Speaking to the media after the Air Force day parade to mark the IAF’s 70th anniversary, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy pointed out that the IL-78s would “enhance the capabilities of the Air Force.”

The SU-30 MKIs is one of the few aircraft with the IAF which is capable of air-to-air refuelling. Not only does it help increase the range of the aircraft is also helps in “greater maneouverability.”

“The aircraft can no go anywhere and also carry heavier payloads. It will give us greater flexibility in our operations,” said Krishnaswamy.

This should give IAF a good deal of depth in terms of its operations on both borders.