India has issued a formal request for proposals to acquire 60 Multi-Role Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force in a procurement estimated at around 1 trillion rupees, or approximately $10.4 billion. The program is intended to replace the Air Force’s aging Soviet-era Antonov An-32 fleet and strengthen the country’s medium airlift capability.The proposed aircraft will fall within the 18-to-30-tonne payload category and must be capable of operating from challenging locations, including high-altitude and rough landing strips in Ladakh and northeastern India. The aircraft are expected to perform a wide range of missions, including troop movement, cargo transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and potentially aerial refueling.Potential contenders include Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules and Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium. The C-130J offers a payload capacity of approximately 19 tonnes, while the KC-390 can carry about 26 tonnes. Airbus’ A400M has also been considered, but its higher payload capability could place it outside the limits specified in the tender.The procurement is closely linked to India’s Make in India policy. Under the proposed arrangement, the first aircraft will be delivered in ready-to-operate condition, while subsequent aircraft will be manufactured domestically. Indigenous content is expected to begin at 40 percent and rise to 60 percent during the program.Indian companies invited to participate include Tata Advanced Systems, partnered with Lockheed Martin; Mahindra Defence, working with Embraer; Adani Defence; Reliance Defence; and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.The selected industrial team will be required to establish a final assembly line in India and develop long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities. The program could therefore create a major domestic manufacturing base while strengthening India’s military airlift capacity.
