India to procure medium Transport Aircraft to strengthen airlift fleet
The IAF’s long-term plan needs a mixed airlift fleet comprising transport aircrafts in 2 ton load carrying category, 10 ton category, 20 ton category, 50 ton category and 70 ton load carrying category. Around 5x Squadrons of indigeneously produced Dornier 228 Light transporters in 2 ton categories are already there operating with the IAF. Down the line these are likely to be replaced with totally indigenously designed and manufactured Saras Mk2 or Mk3.
TATA-Airbus joint venture have started producing C295 transporters in Light medium category. After replacing the 56 x Avros of the IAF and raising the Medium Maritime Recce Squadrons of the Navy, this should ideally start replacing the existing AN32s and then add one to complete around 12x Squadrons (144 aircrafts) with near 100% indigenous content.
To strengthen the Medium lift capability, IAF requires around 9 xsquadrons( 108 aircrafts ) of a transporter in 20-25 ton lift category. We are operating a Squadron of C130 Hercules.The Ministry of Defence is preparing to initiate the long-awaited procurement of up to 80 medium transport aircraft (MTA) for the IAF. This category has distinctive advantages because of larger payload, more aerial delivery capabilities, endurance, and mission flexibility, catering to different strategic requirements.
This multi-Kharab INR contract, one of the largest global tenders in the transport aircraft segment, aims to significantly enhance India’s tactical airlift capabilities over the next decade. Firstly the number needs to be increased to by another 16 to bring the total to 96 aircrafts.
Though three leading global aircraft manufacturers are set to compete aggressively for the order: Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules (USA), Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium (Brazil), and Airbus Defence & Space’s A400M Atlas (Europe), keeping everything in mind We must go in for local production of KC390, rapidly increasing the indigenous content.
The KC-390 Millennium presents an advanced yet economical platform with a modern glass cockpit, high cruise speed, and low maintenance footprint. Embraer’s strong record in reliability and fuel efficiency could provide India with a cost-effective multi-role solution capable of aerial refuelling, cargo, and medical evacuation missions.
It has been reported that HAL -ADA have started work on the MTA for both Military and civil use. This transporter should provide the 50 ton lift carrying capability to the IAF with around 6x Squadrons ( 72 aircrafts ), ideal replacement for IL76.
In the heavy category, we have 11x C-17 Globemaster-III platform providing the strategic lift capability along with the IL76. Here we need around 6x Squadrons ( 72 aircrafts ). HAL ADA must start work on its designing rightway so that we can have this type by 2035.
The MoD is finalising the Request for Proposal (RFP), expected to be released in early 2026. The procurement will follow the “Buy and Make (Indian)” category under the Defence Acquisition Procedure, encouraging foreign collaboration with domestic aerospace partners. Indian firms such as Tata Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Larsen & Toubro are likely to be potential partners for licensed manufacturing or assembly within India.
The MTA tender is likely to be valued between 5 to 7 Kharab INR, depending on configuration, technology transfer, and localisation levels. The final evaluation will emphasise Strategic ties, lifecycle costs, operational performance, and industrial participation, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Once finalised, the deal will not only strengthen India’s airlift capabilities but also deepen aerospace manufacturing partnerships with global majors, further positioning the country as a major international defence hub.
