New Delhi : Indian Air Force (IAF) is close to finalising a deal worth about Rs 8,000 crore with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to boost its mid-air refuelling capacity, according to a report by ANI.

Under the proposal, the Israeli government-owned firm would convert six pre-owned Boeing 767 passenger planes into aerial tankers before delivering them to the IAF.

IAI emerged as the sole qualified bidder after other competitors, including Russian and European manufacturers, failed to meet the project’s requirements for indigenous participation and technical specifications. The company has reportedly agreed to ensure around 30 percent Made-in-India content through offsets.

The IAF currently operates six Russian-origin Il-78 refuelling aircraft based in Agra , which support long-range

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