MoD Floats ₹1-Lakh-Crore Tender for 60 Multirole Transport Aircraft for IAF.

The Ministry of Defence recently issued a tender worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore for the acquisition of 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), aimed at replacing its ageing fleet of Soviet-era Antonov An-32 cargo planes and strengthening its logistics capabilities.

Multiple Indian companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Mahindra, have received the tender document, defence sources said. Some of the companies have already partnered with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bid for the programme.

Mahindra Defence has partnered with Brazil's Embraer to offer the C-390 transport aircraft, while TASL has tied up with Lockheed Martin to offer the C-130. The IAF already operates the C-130J for special operations and currently has 12 aircraft of the type.

The proposed acquisition is expected to modernise the IAF's transport fleet and enhance its ability to move troops, equipment and supplies across the country and to forward operational areas.

The MTA programme is also likely to provide opportunities for Indian companies to participate in aircraft manufacturing and related supply chains through partnerships with global aerospace manufacturers.