Indian Air Force to Get 60 New Transport Aircraft in ₹1 Lakh Crore Deal
The major procurement will replace ageing aircraft, strengthen India's tactical airlift capabilities and boost domestic aerospace manufacturing.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire around 60 new multirole transport aircraft under a proposed deal worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore. The Defence Ministry has issued a tender aimed at modernising the country's ageing transport fleet and strengthening its ability to rapidly move troops, equipment and supplies.
The new aircraft will be particularly important for operations in mountainous border areas, island territories and emergency situations. Besides transportation, the aircraft could also perform specialised roles such as air-to-air refuelling, helping extend the operational range and endurance of fighter aircraft.
Indian Companies to Take Centre Stage
The procurement places strong emphasis on domestic participation. HAL, Tata and Mahindra are among the Indian companies expected to be involved.
Mahindra Defence has partnered with Brazil's Embraer to offer the C-390 Millennium, while Tata is working with US-based Lockheed Martin to propose the C-130J Super Hercules. The IAF already operates 12 C-130J aircraft.
Around 20% of the aircraft are expected to arrive in fly-away condition, while the remaining aircraft could be manufactured in India through joint ventures. More than 60% indigenous content is also expected, supporting the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat push.
The programme is part of the IAF's wider modernisation drive, which also includes the C-295 transport aircraft programme and plans for new fighter and trainer aircraft.
The ambitious project could boost India's aerospace industry through technology transfer, employment, local manufacturing and supply-chain development. However, cost, technology integration, production timelines and quality standards will remain key challenges.
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