India’s Ministry of Defence has issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for the acquisition of 60 Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The programme is reportedly valued at approximately 1 trillion rupees ($10.4 billion).The aircraft are intended to replace the IAF’s aging Soviet-era Antonov An-32 fleet while filling the capability gap between lighter tactical transports and larger strategic airlifters.The requirement reportedly targets aircraft capable of carrying between 18 and 30 tonnes of payload. The new fleet will need to operate from challenging airfields, including high-altitude and rough landing strips in areas such as Ladakh and northeastern India.Once operational, the aircraft are expected to support troop movement, cargo transportation, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and potentially aerial-refueling missions.Potential contenders include Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, which offers a payload capacity of roughly 19 tonnes, and Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium, capable of carrying approximately 26 tonnes. Airbus’ A400M has also been discussed previously, although its higher payload capacity may exceed the specified requirement.Make in India Production PlanThe acquisition is expected to follow a mixed delivery and domestic-production model. Initial aircraft would be delivered in operational configuration, while subsequent units would be manufactured in India under the country’s Make in India framework.The programme requires an initial indigenous-content level of around 40 percent, with that share expected to rise to 60 percent over time.Indian companies expected to participate include Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence, Reliance Defence, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, alongside their international partners where applicable.The selected industrial team will be required to establish a domestic final-assembly facility and long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul infrastructure, creating a sustained manufacturing and support capability within India.
