On November 20, 2025, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, operated by the American company Metrea Management, landed at the Indian Air Force Station in Agra, marking a significant boost to India’s air-to-air refueling capabilities. This arrival comes as part of a three-year wet-lease agreement signed on March 28, 2025, aimed at enhancing the Indian Air Force’s aerial refueling training amidst operational challenges with its aging fleet of six Russian Ilyushin-78 tankers. The KC-135, a proven U.S. Air Force asset with over six decades of service, will be flown and maintained by Metrea’s crew, supporting both the Indian Air Force and Navy. Equipped with advanced refueling systems, it strengthens India’s strategic reach and readiness, enabling longer and more effective air missions. This milestone underscores growing Indo-U.S. defense cooperation and is seen as an important interim solution while India modernizes its aerial refueling fleet. The tanker is stationed at Agra, a key hub for India’s air mobility operations.