Metrea Deploys First KC-135 Tanker to India for Air Force Training
Commercial aerial refueling provider Metrea is deploying its first Boeing KC-135 tanker aircraft to India. This is part of a three-year contract with the Indian Air Force. The former French Air Force asset will launch from Southern California and arrive in India within five to six days. The first refueling mission is planned by the end of September 2025.
This marks the first international long-term agreement for Metrea. The company operates the world’s largest commercial aerial refueling fleet of 18 KC-135 aircraft. The contract will provide up to 100 refueling flight hours per month. This will support training for Indian Air Force pilots flying Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters.
The arrangement serves as an interim solution while India addresses serviceability issues with its aging Ilyushin Il-78 tanker fleet. It also helps India evaluate long-term aerial refueling requirements.
[source]Source: Flight Global[/source]