India Issues $10.48 Billion Tender for 60 Multirole Transport Aircraft
On August 12, 2026, India's Defence Ministry issued a ₹1 lakh crore ($10.48-12 billion) tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft to replace the IAF's aging An-32 fleet. The program mandates Indian-led joint ventures with global OEMs, with 20% delivered fly-away and 80% manufactured domestically, targeting over 60% indigenous content. Key contenders include Mahindra Defence with Embraer's C-390 and Tata with Lockheed Martin's C-130J. The aircraft will enhance strategic airlift and may be configured for aerial refueling.
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India issues RFP for multirole transport aircraft programme
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for a multirole transport aircraft (MTA) programme, as confirmed by an industry source to Janes. Issued on 12 August 2026, the RFP seeks 60 transport aircraft at an estimated cost of INR1 trillion (USD10 billion). The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to replace its ageing Soviet-era Antonov An-32 fleet with aircraft capable of carrying 18–30 tonnes of payload. Deliveries must begin within 36 months of contract signature. Local media reports indicate the tender includes 12 aircraft to be delivered in fly-away condition and 48 to be produced in India. Airbus Defence and Space (A400M Atlas), Embraer Defense and Security (C-390 Millennium, partnered with Mahindra Defence Systems), and Lockheed Martin (C-130J) have previously expressed interest in the programme, which follows a July 2023 request for information (RFI).
India issues $10.48 billion tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft
India's Ministry of Defence has issued a tender worth approximately Rs1 trillion ($10.48 billion) for the acquisition of 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The tender, circulated to domestic firms including HAL, Tata, and Mahindra, mandates that the procurement be led by Indian companies forming joint ventures with global OEMs. About 20% of the aircraft will be delivered fly-away, while the rest will be manufactured in India with over 60% indigenous content. Two major partnerships have emerged: Mahindra Defence with Brazil's Embraer (C-390 Millennium) and Tata with Lockheed Martin (C-130J Super Hercules). The aircraft are intended to enhance strategic and tactical airlift capabilities, with potential reconfiguration for aerial refueling. Separately, the IAF has issued an RFI for 150 advanced jet trainers, and France has submitted a proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets.
India issues $10.48 billion tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft
India's Ministry of Defence has issued a tender worth approximately Rs1 trillion ($10.48 billion) for the acquisition of 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The procurement will be led by Indian companies forming joint ventures with global OEMs, with about 20% delivered in fly-away condition and the rest produced domestically, targeting over 60% indigenous content. Two major partnerships have emerged: Mahindra Defence with Brazil's Embraer offering the C-390 Millennium, and Tata with Lockheed Martin offering the C-130J Super Hercules, already in IAF service. The aircraft are intended to enhance strategic and tactical airlift capabilities and may be reconfigured for aerial refueling. Separately, the IAF has issued an RFI for 150 advanced jet trainers, and France has submitted a proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets.
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India issues $10.48 billion tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft
India's Ministry of Defence has issued a tender worth approximately Rs1 trillion ($10.48 billion) for the acquisition of 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The tender, circulated to domestic firms including HAL, Tata, and Mahindra, mandates that the procurement be led by Indian companies forming joint ventures with global OEMs. About 20% of the aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition, while the rest will be manufactured in India with over 60% indigenous content. Key contenders include Mahindra Defence with Embraer's C-390 Millennium and Tata with Lockheed Martin's C-130J Super Hercules. The aircraft are intended to enhance strategic and tactical airlift capabilities, with potential reconfiguration for aerial refueling. Separately, the IAF has issued an RFI for 150 advanced jet trainers, and France has submitted a proposal for 114 Rafale fighters.
India's Defence Ministry Issues ₹1 Lakh Crore Tender for 60 Multirole Transport Aircraft for IAF
On August 12, 2026, India's Defence Ministry issued a tender worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore (about $12 billion) for 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The program aims to replace the IAF's ageing cargo fleet and expand strategic airlift capabilities. The tender was issued to multiple Indian companies, including HAL and private sector firms, under an Indian-led initiative. Indian companies will partner with global OEMs to manufacture the aircraft domestically. Mahindra Defence has partnered with Brazil's Embraer to offer the C-390 Millennium, while Tata has partnered with US-based Lockheed Martin to offer the C-130J Super Hercules. About 20% of the aircraft will be inducted in fly-away condition, with the rest manufactured in India, achieving over 60% indigenous content. The aircraft may also be configured for aerial refueling. This is part of the IAF's broader modernization drive, which also includes tenders for 114 multirole fighters and over 100 trainer aircraft.