India Rejects Russian Aerial Tankers Over Poor Maintenance

May 27, 2009
Issue highlights problems with supplies of spare parts, poor sales support, steep maintenance costs, and technology transfer issues.

NEW DELHI, INDIA -- India has dropped Russia from a $1-bln tender to supply six aerial tankers for the Indian Air Force due to poor after-sales maintenance services, the Hindustan Times cited the air force chief as saying.

The Indian Air Force has been operating a fleet of Russian Il-78 aerial tankers for six years and announced a global tender for an additional six aircraft three years ago. The Russian Il-78 and the European Airbus A330 MRTT were the contenders.

To read the full story click here.