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The government has cleared a proposal to acquire around 60 Medium Transport Aircraft for the IAF to replace ageing An-32s. With 20–26 tonne payload capacity, the programme will bridge the light-heavy airlift gap, with most aircraft to be manufactured in India
The government has moved a step closer to acquiring a new fleet of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) clearing a proposal for the purchase of around 60 aircraft to replace the ageing Antonov An-32 fleet.
The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) has cleared a proposal for the purchase of around 60 Medium Transport Aircraft to replace the ageing Antonov An-32 fleet.
The DPB, chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, approved the proposal on Monday. The case will now be forwarded to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), after which the process will proceed to tendering, trials, negotiations and final contract award.
IAF looks at the requirement which can carry 20–26+ tonnes of cargo, enough to supply troops in high-altitude regions (Ladakh, Arunachal). It also aims to bridge the gap between light transports (like C 295) and heavy lift aircraft (like Boeing C-17 Globemaster III). The overall value of the programme is estimated at around ₹1 lakh crore.
Under the plan, 12 aircraft will be purchased in flyaway condition, while the remaining 48 will be manufactured in India under the Defence Ministry's "Buy and Make" scheme, in line with the government's push for self-reliance in defence production.
The case will now be forwarded to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), after which the process will proceed to tendering, trials, negotiations and final contract award
The new aircraft are intended to replace the An-32 fleet inducted in the IAF in the mid-1980s, which is increasingly facing maintenance challenges and a shrinking supply of spare parts.
The aircraft are also expected to take on some roles currently performed by the ageing Il-76 transporters. With a carrying capacity of about 20–26 tonnes, the new platforms will help bridge the gap between light transport aircraft and heavy-lift assets in the IAF's airlift fleet, while supporting logistics operations in high-altitude regions.
Three major contenders have emerged for the contract. Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer has offered the C-390 Millennium, a jet-powered aircraft capable of carrying around 26 tonnes of cargo. The company has proposed manufacturing the aircraft in India in partnership with an Indian firm as part of the localisation plan.
US defence major Lockheed Martin is pitching the C-130J Super Hercules, which is already in service with the IAF. The aircraft, with a payload of about 20 tonnes, benefits from an established maintenance ecosystem and operational experience in Indian conditions. Lockheed Martin has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited for local production.
Under the plan, 12 aircraft will be purchased in flyaway condition, while the remaining 48 will be manufactured in India under the Defence Ministry's "Buy and Make" scheme
Airbus has also proposed the A400M Atlas, a larger aircraft with a payload exceeding 30 tonnes that combines tactical and strategic airlift roles. However, its higher capacity places it above the IAF's stated requirement range, making it a less natural fit for the current programme.
Defence analysts say the contest is likely to be closely fought between the C-390 and the C-130J. While the C-130J offers operational familiarity and existing infrastructure, the C-390 provides higher payload capacity and greater speed. The final decision will be taken after technical and commercial evaluation of the bids.
The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) also approved the design and development of an unmanned combat drone by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project is expected to take several years before the drone becomes operational.
In the meantime, India has already signed a deal worth about $4 billion with the US to acquire 31 MQ-9 unmanned combat aerial vehicles for all three-armed services.
These two clearances-MTA and Drone-- will address the long-pending requirement on the fast track now.
Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.
