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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has secured permission to lease an Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the French Air Force for three years, addressing immediate operational gaps due to its ageing fleet of Ilyushin Il-78 tankers. This lease will allow the IAF to gain valuable experience with the advanced MRTT platform, which has superior capabilities suited for its diverse aircraft fleet. The move strategically aligns with the IAF’s long-term goal of procuring six A330 MRTTs, previously stalled by budgetary constraints. The lease represents a pragmatic approach under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, enabling immediate operational readiness while the IAF prepares for future procurement.
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