Indian Air Force contemplates long-range transport aircraft
The KC-390 airlifter from Brazil is one contender for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft requirement. (Image: Embraer)
India's Medium Transport Aircraft requirement has been spluttering along for some time, with three likely contenders still remaining.
The deadline for an RfI covering the procurement of medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been extended from 3 February to 31 March. The transporters, to be made in India, are needed to replace ageing Il-76MDs acquired in the mid-1980s and set to retire in 2028.
Authorised Indian vendors can respond to the RfI by providing a rough order of magnitude cost for the planes and associated equipment in batches of 40, 60 and 80 aircraft, respectively.
Providing the groundwork for project planning, the estimate includes the cost of the aircraft, ground-handling equipment and support, tools
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
