The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has commenced a study to acquire a new heavy air-to-air refuelling tanker to augment its growing fleet of air combat aircraft.

A report in Jane’s says the TNI-AU will launch a tanker program by 2024 after it has completed its planned A400M transport acquisition program. Indonesia currently operates just a single Lockheed KC-130B Hercules tanker.

The report says the project will focus on the Airbus A330 MRTT and the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, both of which will dramatically increase the range of Indonesian Lockheed Martin F-16C/D and Sukhoi Su-27/30 and planned Su-35 Flanker fighters.

The project will also study funding options for the project, including the potential for technology transfer arrangement to Indonesian companies to participate in the industrial program and ongoing sustainment of the aircraft.