New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has moved to initiate what is likely one of the largest transport-aircraft procurement programmes in recent years.
Sources say the acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the project is expected by December 2025, paving the way for a formal tender by early 2026.
Importance of Medium Transport Aircraft Procurement
The An-32 fleet has been in service for over four decades and is increasingly unreliable, creating a critical air-mobility deficit for the IAF.
As India faces multi-theatre contingencies, including terrain-challenged regions (Himalayas, northeast, islands), the availability of a robust medium-lift transport platform becomes strategically vital.
Up to 80 medium transport aircraft (MTA) in the 18-30 tonne payload class, aimed at replacing ageing platforms such as the Antonov An‑32 and bridging the gap between light tactical airlifters and heavy transports.
By acquiring these aircraft, India seeks to enhance expeditionary mobility, troop deployment to challenging zones (including high-altitude theatres), disaster relief, and logistics operations.
The new MTA fleet will complement existing and planned acquisitions such as the Airbus C‑295 (inducted via a joint India-Europe arrangement) and heavy-lift transports like the Boeing C‑17 Globemaster III.
The programme aligns with the government’s “Buy and Make (India)” policy, mandating significant indigenous manufacturing, technology transfer and local industry participation — boosting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” defence manufacturing objective.
For global aerospace players, it opens a massive market opportunity — reports name leading contenders: Lockheed Martin (US) with C-130J Super Hercules, Embraer (Brazil) with KC-390 Millennium, and Airbus Defence & Space (Europe) with A400M Atlas.
Medium Transport Aircraft Procurement Details & Timeline
The decision-makers expect the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to grant AoN by December 2025.
Following that, the Request for Proposal (RFP) will likely be issued in early 2026.
- The procurement value is estimated in the region of US $6-8 billion, according to defence-industry sources.
- Evaluation will not be based solely on aircraft performance; factors like industrial participation, lifecycle support, local manufacturing rate, and cost of operation will play key roles.
Key Contenders & Their Proposition
- Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules: Already in service with the IAF, offering existing infrastructure, spares network, pilot/trainer familiarity. However, payload capacity may be on the lower side compared to other candidates.
- Embraer KC-390 Millennium: Modern platform, fuel efficient, good versatility for multi-mission use including medevac, aerial refuelling. Brazilian origin but global support network.
- Airbus A400M Atlas: Greater payload and range than typical medium transport, suited for extended operations and heavy lift in the “medium” category. Higher acquisition/maintenance cost is a trade-off.
Indigenous Manufacturing & Industry Impact
- Under the “Buy and Make (India)” model, the winning OEM will establish manufacturing/assembly facilities in India, partner with Indian defence industry players and ensure technology transfer.
- This promises employment generation, supply-chain growth (including MSMEs), and advancement of India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
- It further strengthens India’s defence export potential in the medium transport aircraft segment.
Challenges & Considerations
- Ensuring timely issuance of RFP and avoiding previous delays in the MTA programme which was shelved earlier.
- Balancing cost, delivery schedules, and indigenous production demands.
- Ensuring that operational training, logistics, spares, and maintenance infrastructure keep pace with induction.
- Managing technology transfer while safeguarding strategic interests.
Face Behind This Acquisition
Rajesh Kumar Singh, 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre is the key link behind the Medium Transport Aircraft procurement. He is the 40th Defence Secretary of India.
- He was Appointed as the Defence Secretary of India from 1 November 2024 onward.
- Earlier served as Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), and also held other senior bureaucratic posts.
- With this MTA procurement expected to be cleared under his tenure, his role is pivotal in steering the process: granting of AoN, issuing of RFP, monitoring industrial tie-ups.
- His experience in industry-policy interface (via DPIIT) is seen as advantageous for a procurement that emphasises manufacturing and indigenisation.
Way Forward
- In the coming months, watch for the Defence Acquisition Council meeting to clear the AoN.
- After that, the formal bidding process will commence and contenders will be invited to respond to RFPs.
- Indian aerospace/defence firms (including private and public sector) will need to prepare for partnerships, supply-chain readiness and meet Indian content requirements.
- Once selected, rollout schedules, delivery timelines, and integration into IAF squadrons will set the pace of modernisation.
