India MoD to Release Tender for 60-80 New Medium Transport Aircraft for IAF

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its airlift capability with the upcoming procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). This initiative aims to replace the aging fleet of Antonov An-32 and Avro 748 aircraft, which have been serving the IAF for decades.

Current Fleet and Operational Gaps

Currently, the IAF transport fleet includes over 100 An-32s, 56 Avro 748s, 12 C-130J Super Hercules, and 11 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The An-32s are scheduled for retirement starting 2032 due to age and maintenance challenges. The Avro 748s are gradually being replaced by Airbus C-295M aircraft, with 56 units approved for procurement.

Tender Details

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to release the tender soon for the procurement of 60 to 80 MTAs. Each aircraft is expected to have a payload capacity of 18 to 30 tonnes. This procurement aligns with India’s Make in India initiative, emphasizing domestic production and technology transfer.

Potential Contenders

Several international aircraft manufacturers are likely to compete for this contract:

• Airbus A400M – capable of carrying heavy payloads over long distances.

• Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules – a proven and widely used transport platform.

• Embraer KC-390 Millennium – a modern aircraft with advanced features and high efficiency.

All contenders are expected to work with Indian partners to meet the Make in India requirements.

The acquisition of MTAs is critical for the IAF’s operational readiness and strategic mobility. The new aircraft will allow rapid deployment of troops and equipment across India’s diverse terrains and support humanitarian missions as well as combat operations. By replacing outdated aircraft with advanced, domestically produced alternatives, India aims to strengthen its defense preparedness and self-reliance in aerospace technology. This procurement is expected to be a pivotal step in the IAF’s modernization journey.