A400M vs C-130J vs C-390: India’s hunt for a new military transport aircraft enters next stage
The Indian Ministry of Defence has completed technical evaluations for a new Medium Transport Aircraft programme to replace the aging AN-32 fleet. The project involves a mix of direct imports and significant indigenous manufacturing through joint ventures with global partners like Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Embraer.
Why it matters
This procurement is a major step in India's 'Make in India' defense initiative, aiming to modernize the Air Force while boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence has moved a step closer to finalising the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, completing technical evaluations of proposals submitted by three foreign vendors. The exercise comes against the backdrop of an AN-32 crash that claimed five lives, a stark reminder of the urgency to replace the ageing Soviet-origin fleet. The programme is designed to bridge a critical capability gap in India’s tactical airlift spectrum, with procurement structured to combine imports and indigenous manufacturing.Officials indicate that a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) will soon be issued to shortlisted vendors. This will seek commercial bids, technology transfer details, and pave the way for field trials, cost negotiations and eventual contract signing. The framework envisages 12 aircraft being imported in flyaway condition, while 68 will be built in India through joint ventures with domestic partners.
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