India moves ahead with major IAF tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft

India is preparing to advance a procurement plan for 60 multirole transport aircraft, drawing interest from Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Ilyushin. The programme is expected to emphasise domestic manufacturing through joint ventures, reinforcing India’s defence industrial strategy and expanding private-sector participation.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council is expected to review a proposal to procure 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to defence officials. The programme has attracted interest from Brazil’s Embraer, US-based Lockheed Martin and Russia’s Ilyushin, each expected to bid in partnership with Indian companies. The acquisition is strategically significant as it aligns with India’s policy of expanding domestic defence production through joint ventures and technology partnerships.

Embraer, a leading Brazilian aerospace manufacturer, is working with Mahindra Defence. Lockheed Martin, one of the largest US defence contractors, has partnered with Tata Group. The Russian bid, led by Ilyushin, is expected to involve state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s primary aerospace manufacturer. The IAF already operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and is concurrently inducting approximately 70 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, most of which will be produced in India. The new tender would further diversify the fleet while deepening local manufacturing capabilities.

For industry stakeholders, the programme represents a substantial opportunity across aerospace manufacturing, supply chains, avionics, and maintenance services. It could accelerate private-sector integration into India’s defence ecosystem and influence long-term capital allocation decisions by global OEMs seeking deeper access to one of the world’s largest defence markets.