Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
A C-130J, one of the three contender aircraft, at Aero India. (Photo: author)
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
Bidders for an Indian Air Force (IAF) contract for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) showcased their offerings at the Aero India 2025 event in Bengaluru between 10-14 February.
The Indian Ministry of Defence’s Request for Information relating to the IAF’s requirement for a batch of 40, 60, and 80 MTA was released in late 2022.
There is an imminent need to replace around 100 ageing aircraft in the IAF, particularly its An-32s and Il-76 transports, over the next seven years.
The replacements for these aircraft should have a cargo capacity of between 18-30 tons, which has narrowed the field of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom]()
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.
-
![US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders]()
US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders
The service is updating several parts of its aviation fleet including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and procuring uncrewed aircraft to boost its maritime surveillance.
-
![Sophistication versus simplification: the divided future of air-to-air missiles]()
Sophistication versus simplification: the divided future of air-to-air missiles
As global air combat operations continue to evolve at a rate not seen for decades, what will the next generation of air-to-air weapons look like, and what missions will they need to fulfil?
-
![AUSA 2026: New multiwarhead loitering munition enters increasingly competitive market]()
AUSA 2026: New multiwarhead loitering munition enters increasingly competitive market
Heaviside Industries has unveiled its new Tyr loitering munition at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC, joining a growing field of manufacturers seeking to capitalise on billions of dollars in anticipated military spending.
