With an eye on China, IAF sets out for a 3rd time to buy 6 tanker aircraft

The 6 new mid-air refuelling aircraft are meant to support operations against China and slated for Panagarh in West Bengal

India needs a fighting force that can face adversaries on two fronts. This has been the gist of repeated official and unofficial statements in the past few years. However, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is staring at a crucial capability gap when it comes to mid-air refuelling, an exercise essential for extending the legs of its combat aircraft and for increasing the fighting force's reach. Now, with China in its crosshairs, the IAF has reportedly kicked off the procurement process for six mid-air refuelling aircraft for a third time -- two attempts were previously cancelled over the past decade. 

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