The conversion solution will be made available in India under a MoU which was signed between state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently signed an MoU to convert the B767 into a refueling aircraft with cargo and transport capabilities for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The contract was signed in New Delhi under the Make in India initiative to convert a civil aircraft into a Multi-Mission Tanker Transport or MMTT aircraft which will help create capabilities in the Indian defence ecosystem.
HAL CMD R Madhavan said, “This venture of MMTT conversion business which is one of the strategic diversification avenues identified by HAL.”
This MoU will facilitate HAL and IAI’s expertise in producing, manufacturing, and developing major military platforms and it also covers “passenger to freighter aircraft’’ conversion along with MMTT conversions.
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The MMTT plays a critical role in helping to achieve strategic goals and in boosting the force’s capabilities during various operations. During combat situations, they help in enhancing not only the impact but effectiveness too. These Boeing aircraft have the lowest operating cost per trip of any wide body airplane, can be configured as per the operator’s requirements like refueling, VIP passengers, cargo movement, and ISR systems. It has special cargo doors and built-in pallet capabilities along with passenger seats that can be removed or installed as per the requirement during operations. IAI has been converting the B767 into aerial tankers for different military missions, and air-to-air refueling capabilities.
