India issues $10.48 bln tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft

Published Aug 13, 01:15 PM UTC

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.