India to Purchase 80 Medium Transport Aircraft in Strategic Fleet Upgrade
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to initiate the highly anticipated procurement process for up to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. This significant deal is intended to replace the aging An-32 fleet and bolster India’s strategic airlift capabilities.
Projected to cost between $6 and $8 billion, the MTA project is poised to become one of the largest global tenders in the transport aircraft sector. It aims to enhance the Indian Air Force's capacity for rapid troop deployment, disaster relief efforts, and long-range logistics operations in various terrains.
The new aircraft will replace the Soviet-era An-32s, which have been in service for more than 40 years and are nearing the end of their operational life. The replacement fleet will feature advanced avionics, increased payload capacity, greater range, and multifunctional capabilities.
Three major competitors are expected to vie for the contract: Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules from the USA, Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium from Brazil, and Airbus Defence & Space’s A400M Atlas from Europe, each offering distinct operational benefits.
| Contender | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules | Already in IAF service with established support infrastructure, offering logistical convenience and operational familiarity. However, it may not meet the heavier transport requirements of newer missions. |
| Embraer KC-390 Millennium | A modern, fuel-efficient platform known for versatility and low maintenance costs, with multi-role capability including aerial refueling and medical evacuation. |
| Airbus A400M Atlas | The largest and most capable option, offering heavy-lift capacity and long-range endurance, ideal for India's expeditionary logistics, though at higher costs. |
The Request for Proposal is anticipated to be issued by early 2026 under the “Buy and Make (Indian)” category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure. This model encourages foreign collaboration with Indian defense companies such as Tata Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Larsen & Toubro, ensuring substantial local manufacturing and technology transfer.
The MTA initiative enhances India's evolving airlift framework, which includes the domestic production of the C-295MW aircraft in Gujarat by the Tata-Airbus joint venture, alongside the C-17 Globemaster-III heavy-lift fleet. This integrated transport network will allow the Indian Air Force to efficiently conduct missions ranging from tactical to strategic scales.
Officials have indicated that evaluation criteria will focus on lifecycle costs, operational performance, and industrial participation, aligning with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Once operational, the new MTA fleet will not only upgrade India’s transport capabilities but also strengthen aerospace partnerships with leading global manufacturers, solidifying India’s status as an emerging regional defense and aerospace hub.
