Writer

Charlotte Bailey

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially launched its hunt for its new medium transport aircraft. A request for proposal, issued on August 12 by the country's Ministry of Defence outlined a requirement for 60 new airframes with an option clause for more in a potentially sizeable deal worth around $10 billion. The procurement is being initiated to replace India’s ageing fleet of Antonov An-32 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin of the U.S. and Brazil’s Embraer are expected to be among the frontrunners. Bidders will be expected to make provision for domestic manufacturing, including the establishment of an in-country final assembly line, under the terms of the government's Made in India policy.&nbsp;
According to the document, while initial aircraft will be built by the selected OEM, subsequent units must contain a minimum 40% indigenous content. This will progressively rise to 60% and collaboration with Indian industry for in-service support, alongside maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provision will also follow.&nbsp;
<h2>Assessing Aircraft Options</h2>
India’s request for proposal confirmed that the incoming aircraft must have a payload of around 18 to 30 tons. At the lower end of the capacity requirement is Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules turboprop, a type already operated by the IAF. Indian aerospace, engineering and technology group Tata Advanced Systems is already the current single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies since it started producing them in 2010 in Hyderabad.&nbsp;
Tata Advanced Systems also has experience of manufacturing entire aircraft, with a final assembly line for the Airbus Defence and Space C295 inaugurated in October 2024. The IAF has 56 of the medium-range tactical turboprops on order, with an initial 16 Spanish-built units to be followed by 40 domestic deliveries. According to Airbus, the Indian C295 program represents “the first instance of the private sector setting up an aircraft manufacturing facility in the country.”&nbsp;
In December, the Tata Group subsidiary also broke ground on a new C-130 MRO facility. According to Lockheed Martin, this will “create opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators,” with the first C-130 expected to be inducted for MRO in early 2027.&nbsp;
Embraer’s C-390 Millennium—with a payload of 26 tons—is also vying for the contract. A similar agreement signed by the company in October 2025 with Indian defense manufacturer Mahindra Group promised to “deepen the scope of cooperation” between the organizations. According to Embraer, this includes provision to “engage with India’s military and aerospace ecosystem to identify opportunities for local manufacturing, assembly facilities, supply chain and MRO activities.”&nbsp;
At the time, Embraer concluded that its “long-term ambition is to position India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, serving both domestic and regional requirements.” As the multi-role military transport continues to attract orders from around the world, Embraer revealed in July that it was looking to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-06-15/embraer-ramp-annual-kc-390-production-10-2030">more than double</a> annual production from its Gaviato Peixoto factory in Brazil.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Indian Air Force Seeks Bids For New Medium Military Transport Aircraft 

Lockheed Martin, Embraer and Airbus could be in contention for defense deal 

The Indian government will expect significant local manufacturering content in which ever medium transport aircraft is selected for the country's air force.

Indian Air Force Seeks Bids For New Transport Aircraft 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

$123 million center is most expensive Pilatus facility investment yet

Pilatus Opens Center To Expand Composite Use

Neelam Mathews

Indian officials are reportedly willing to encourage new seaplane services 

Noemi Taps Seaplane Demand in India and Philippines

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The MV250 is equipped with a GE turbogenerator that can produce one megawatt of power.

Beta's eVTOL Goes Hybrid To Fly Farther on Defense Missions

Charles Alcock

Organizers say Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault will exhibit in Dubai

MEBAA: 100+ Exhibitors Expected for December Dubai Show

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

X1 demonstrator largest all-electric aircraft ever flown 

Heart Aerospace Flies X1 Electric Demonstrator Aircraft

Hanneke Weitering

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Aircraft

Pilatus Opens Center To Expand Composite Use

$123 million center is most expensive Pilatus facility investment yet

Noemi Taps Seaplane Demand in India and Philippines

Indian officials are reportedly willing to encourage new seaplane services

Beta's eVTOL Goes Hybrid To Fly Farther on Defense Missions

The MV250 is equipped with a GE turbogenerator that can produce one megawatt of power.

MEBAA: 100+ Exhibitors Expected for December Dubai Show

Organizers say Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault will exhibit in Dubai

Heart Aerospace Flies X1 Electric Demonstrator Aircraft

X1 demonstrator largest all-electric aircraft ever flown

Joby To Buy Dayton Defense Firm in $500 Million Deal

Resonant Sciences will absorb Joby’s hybrid and autonomy programs

Horten Puts Flying Wing Aircraft Design Up For Sale

German blended-wing developer opts not to pursue project

Embraer Racks Up Record Performances in Second Quarter

Executive Jets revenues, backlog, and deliveries grew in Q2

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN