India's Defence Ministry issues ₹1 lakh crore tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft

Published Aug 12, 04:07 PM UTC

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.