New Delhi: Indigenous multirole transport aircraft tender has become one of India’s biggest defence acquisition projects after the Ministry of Defence issued a tender worth around Rs 1 lakh crore for the purchase of 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The programme aims to replace the ageing fleet of cargo aircraft and strengthen India’s airlift, logistics, and rapid deployment capabilities.
According to official information shared with ANI by defence officials, Indian companies are expected to play a leading role in the project under the government’s Make In India and defence manufacturing initiatives.
Why The Indian Air Force Needs Indigenous Multirole Transport Aircraft
The Indian Air Force currently operates ageing transport aircraft, including the Antonov An-32 fleet, which has served the country for several decades. The new aircraft are expected to bridge the gap between lighter transport planes and heavy-lift aircraft used for strategic operations.
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They will be capable of carrying troops, military equipment, humanitarian aid, and supplies to remote and high-altitude regions across India.
Indigenous Multirole Transport Aircraft: Tata, Mahindra And HAL Among Key Contenders
The Defence Ministry has reportedly approached several Indian companies for the programme. Major contenders include:
Tata Group
Tata is partnering with American defence giant Lockheed Martin. The partnership is expected to offer the C-130 transport aircraft platform, which is already used by the Indian Air Force for special operations missions.
Mahindra Defence
Mahindra Defence has joined hands with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. The partnership is offering the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, a modern military transport platform that has attracted interest from several countries.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
HAL is also among the leading Indian companies participating in the competition. The company is expected to collaborate with a global aircraft manufacturer to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force.
Strong Focus On Make In India
A key feature of the programme is domestic manufacturing. Officials indicated that around 20 percent of the aircraft may be delivered in fly-away condition, while the remaining aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India. More than 60 percent indigenous content is planned, supporting local industry, technology transfer, and job creation.
Indigenous Multirole Transport Aircraft To Be Built Through Joint Ventures
The aircraft will be produced through partnerships between Indian companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This approach is designed to strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem and reduce dependence on imports.
It also aligns with the government’s long-term goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defence production.
Existing IAF Transport Fleet
The Indian Air Force already operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. It is also inducting C-295 transport aircraft through a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems. Most of the C-295 aircraft are being manufactured in India under the Make In India programme.
Additional Modernisation Plans Underway
Apart from transport aircraft acquisition, the Indian Air Force is pursuing other major modernisation projects. These include plans for 114 new fighter jets and more than 100 trainer aircraft to replace ageing platforms and enhance operational readiness.
How The Indigenous Multirole Transport Aircraft Will Be Used
The upcoming multirole transport aircraft are expected to perform a wide range of missions.
Troop Transportation
The aircraft will rapidly move soldiers across different regions of the country.
Cargo And Equipment Transport
Heavy military equipment and supplies can be transported efficiently.
Humanitarian Assistance
The aircraft can support disaster relief and emergency response operations.
Aerial Refuelling Support
Officials indicated that some aircraft may also be adapted for tanker roles to refuel other aircraft during flight.
