India Seeks 60 New Transport Aircraft in $10.4B TenderIndia has launched a major procurement program for 60 Multi-Role Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with the acquisition estimated at roughly 1 trillion rupees, or $10.4 billion. The tender is designed to replace the Air Force’s aging An-32 transport fleet and provide a modern platform positioned between light tactical transports and heavier strategic airlifters.The aircraft selected under the program must carry between 18 and 30 tonnes and operate from demanding airfields, including high-altitude and rough landing grounds in Ladakh and the northeastern region. The future fleet is expected to support troop and cargo transport, airborne logistics, medical evacuation, disaster response and other humanitarian missions. Aerial refueling could also become a potential capability.Two aircraft are expected to emerge as major contenders: Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules and Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium. The C-130J has a payload capacity of around 19 tonnes, while the KC-390 can transport approximately 26 tonnes. Airbus’ A400M could also attract interest, although its approximately 37-tonne payload capacity exceeds the upper limit indicated in the tender.The program places strong emphasis on domestic manufacturing. India plans to receive the initial aircraft in fly-away condition before shifting production to the country. Indigenous content is expected to start at 40 percent and increase to 60 percent as the program develops.Potential Indian industrial partners include Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence, Reliance Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Foreign manufacturers are expected to work with Indian companies to establish final assembly and long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.The initiative could significantly expand India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities while providing the Air Force with a modern transport fleet suited to the country’s demanding operational geography.
