Indian Air Force Floats ₹1 Lakh Crore Tender To Acquire 60 Multi-Role Transport Aircraft: Report

India has initiated one of its largest military transport aircraft procurement programmes, with the Ministry of Defence floating a tender worth around ₹1 lakh crore for 60 multi-role transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The move is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s strategic and tactical airlift capabilities while supporting the expansion of India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing sector.

The proposed aircraft will fall in the 18-to-30-tonne category, providing the IAF with additional capacity to transport troops, equipment, vehicles, ammunition and other military supplies. The new fleet is expected to improve the Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment across India’s diverse operational theatres.

The programme has also been structured around a strong domestic manufacturing component. Major Indian defence companies, including Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Adani Defence & Aerospace, are expected to participate in the procurement process in partnership with international aircraft manufacturers.

Among the aircraft likely to be considered are the C-130J Super Hercules, offered through Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin, and the C-390 Millennium, which is being promoted in India through a partnership between Mahindra Defence and Brazil’s Embraer. Both aircraft are designed to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions and have capabilities suited to demanding military operations.

A key feature of the programme is the emphasis on manufacturing the aircraft in India. Reports indicate that a limited number of aircraft could initially be delivered in fly-away condition, while the majority would be manufactured domestically. The programme is also expected to include substantial indigenous content, supporting the government’s broader Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.

The proposed aircraft could provide the IAF with capabilities beyond conventional troop and cargo transportation. Depending on the final aircraft configuration and requirements, the platforms could potentially support specialised roles such as aerial refuelling, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and rapid strategic mobility.

The procurement comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is pursuing a comprehensive modernisation programme across its fighter, transport, surveillance and training fleets. Strengthening the transport fleet is particularly important for maintaining rapid mobility of forces and supplies over long distances and in challenging terrain.

The new aircraft would complement the IAF’s existing transport fleet and help address its long-term air mobility requirements. The programme could also create opportunities for Indian companies to develop deeper expertise in aircraft assembly, components, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and long-term lifecycle support.

The tender is expected to undergo detailed technical and operational evaluation before the final aircraft and industrial partnership are selected. The scale of the programme, combined with the requirement for significant local manufacturing, could make it an important milestone in India’s efforts to establish itself as a major military aerospace manufacturing hub.

With an estimated value of ₹1 lakh crore, the project represents a major investment in India’s airlift infrastructure. If implemented as planned, the acquisition of 60 multi-role transport aircraft could enhance the IAF’s ability to rapidly move troops and equipment while simultaneously strengthening India’s indigenous defence aviation ecosystem.