New Delhi: IAF second KC-135 wet lease plans are reportedly moving forward as the Indian Air Force looks to strengthen its aerial refuelling capability. The proposed aircraft will be leased from US-based Metrea as a short-term solution while India continues its search for new tanker aircraft. The move comes as the IAF faces maintenance and availability challenges with its ageing IL-78MKI refueling fleet.
Details of Second KC-135 Wet Lease
According to reports, the Indian Air Force is considering acquiring a second Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker from Metrea under a wet lease arrangement. The proposal follows the successful operation of the first KC-135, which has been supporting pilot training and operational missions since arriving at Air Force Station Agra in November 2025.
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What Is a Wet Lease
A wet lease means the aircraft owner provides the aircraft along with the flight crew, maintenance personnel, technical support, and insurance. This allows the Indian Air Force to use the aircraft immediately without creating its own maintenance or training infrastructure, making it a fast and cost-effective solution.
Why Does the IAF Need Another KC-135 Wet Lease
India currently operates six Russian-made IL-78MKI aerial refuelling aircraft that entered service in 2003. However, these aircraft have suffered from maintenance problems, spare parts shortages, and lower-than-desired serviceability, reducing their operational availability. This has created the need for an interim solution until new tanker aircraft are procured.
How the KC-135 Wet Lease Helps the Indian Air Force
The Boeing KC-135 significantly improves the IAF’s operational flexibility. It enables fighter aircraft to remain airborne for longer periods, fly deeper into operational areas, carry heavier weapon loads, and conduct extended patrol missions without returning to base for fuel.
The aircraft is also equipped with the Multi-Point Refuelling System (MPRS), allowing it to refuel probe-equipped aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.
This includes frontline aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage 2000. It can also support Indian Navy long-range maritime patrol aircraft during training and operational missions.
What are the Benefits of KC-135 Wet Lease
A second leased tanker would help reduce scheduling delays for refuelling missions. It would support multiple training exercises simultaneously while improving readiness for operational deployments across different regions. It would also help maintain pilot proficiency in air-to-air refuelling.
Long-Term Tanker Modernisation Still Underway
The proposed second KC-135 is considered an interim measure rather than a permanent replacement. The Ministry of Defence continues to pursue a long-term Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) programme to modernise India’s aerial refuelling fleet and replace ageing assets with more capable aircraft.
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