Multiple Configurations Extend Operational Choices
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have agreed to convert an undisclosed number of passenger aircraft into Multi-Mission Tanker Transports (MMTTs) for the Indian military.
The conversion, to be carried out in India using pre-owned Boeing 767 aircraft, will provide India’s armed forces “with new capabilities and cost-effective solutions,” said HAL on 6 April, adding the endeavour also supports the New Delhi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign.
HAL will conduct the approprate life extension and maintenance activities. Chairman and Managing Director, Shri R Madhavan, described the MMTT conversion deal as one of the “strategic diversification avenues” identified by the company. “This is a step forward, not only for HAL and IAI but for the two friendly nations as well in furthering bilateral relations.”
IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy, added the two companies have joined forces “to bring our best-value MMTT solution to India, while utilising the local resources to manufacture and market the platform […] By collaborating with HAL and bringing MMTT conversion directly to India, we are supporting the important ‘Make in India’ campaign and relying on HAL and its supply chain ecosystem, manpower, and capabilities to create advanced platforms […] IAI has over a dozen customers worldwide for its MMTT [programme], and partnering with HAL will open the Indian market to the converted platform.”
The conversion offers a number of configurations to choose from, according to IAI, including cargo, VIP, passenger or intelligence systems variants.
