India Set to Begin Procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft
Defence Ministry to seek up to 80 transport planes, Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and Airbus expected to compete under Make in India initiative.
New Delhi, Nov 7: India’s Defence Ministry is expected to soon initiate the procurement of medium transport aircraft (MTA) to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airlift capabilities, according to sources. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to grant its Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by December end, paving the way for a tender in early 2026 to acquire up to 80 aircraft.
Three global manufacturers are expected to vie for the contract: Lockheed Martin with its C-130J Super Hercules, Brazil’s Embraer offering the KC-390 Millennium, and European Airbus Defence and Space with the A-400M. In line with the Make in India initiative, the winning bidder will set up a production line in India.
The IAF is seeking aircraft with 18-30 tonne cargo capacity to meet growing operational needs. Lockheed Martin, which has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), highlighted the C-130J’s versatility and existing infrastructure for maintenance and training. Embraer has teamed up with Mahindra to bid, while Airbus has yet to announce an Indian partner.
The aircraft capabilities vary: the C-130J carries 20 tonnes, the KC-390 26 tonnes, and the A-400M 37 tonnes. The IAF had requested information from foreign OEMs three years ago on technology transfer, indigenisation, and the setup of dedicated manufacturing lines in India.
Lockheed Martin and TASL are also establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru, which will support the IAF’s existing fleet of 12 C-130Js and other Super Hercules globally, expected to be operational by early 2027. Airbus is concurrently executing a ₹21,935-crore project with TASL for 56 C-295 aircraft, while Embraer has already supplied eight jets for VVIP and airborne early warning roles.
The procurement of the MTA fleet is expected to significantly strengthen the IAF’s operational reach while supporting India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
