India’s plan to procure midair refueler aircraft is progressing well, the country’s defense minister says, marking a major step to increase the operational reach of the air force.

India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is under fire from the country’s audit watchdog, which found “deficiencies and shortfalls” in the aircraft, throwing into question its readiness to be inducted into the Indian air force (IAF).

Indian authorities have approved a proposal to develop two communication satellites to augment the country’s telecommunication, television service and in-orbit backup systems.