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Brazil, US, Russia Vie for IAF's Mega 60-Aircraft Transport Deal

The Indian Air Force is advancing a major tender to acquire 60 multirole transport aircraft, with Brazil's Embraer, US-based Lockheed Martin, and Russia's Ilyushin emerging as top contenders. The proposal is expected to be cleared soon by the Defence Acquisition Council. Under the program, only 20% of the aircraft will be imported in fly-away condition, with the remaining 80% to be manufactured in India through joint ventures, featuring over 60% indigenous content. The shortlisted global manufacturers have already partnered with Indian defence firms like Mahindra, Tata, and HAL for the local production phase.

Key Points: IAF's 60 Multirole Transport Aircraft Tender: Global Contenders

  • 60 multirole transport aircraft tender
  • Major Make in India component
  • Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Ilyushin contenders
  • Joint ventures with Indian firms
1 min read

Brazil, US, Russia planes to be in race for mega IAF tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft

Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Ilyushin compete for Indian Air Force's 60-plane deal, with major Make in India manufacturing component.

"around 20 per cent of the planes joining the Indian Air Force in fly-away condition, while the rest... would be manufactured in India - Defence Officials"

New Delhi, March 3

Brazil's Embraer, US-based Lockheed Martin and Russia's Ilyushin aircraft are likely to be the top contenders for the mega Indian Air Force deal to buy 60 multirole transport aircraft.

Defence officials told ANI that the proposal is expected to be taken up soon by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for clearance.

The programme would see around 20 per cent of the planes joining the Indian Air Force in fly-away condition, while the rest of them would be manufactured in India with over 60 per cent indigenous content, defence officials told ANI.

The aircraft will be built in India through joint ventures between Indian companies and the original equipment manufacturers. Brazilian aerospace major Embraer is partnering with Mahindra Defence.

US defence giant Lockheed Martin has tied up with Tata, and the Russian side, led by Ilyushin, might tie up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Indian Air Force already operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules planes in its fleet.

In addition, IAF is already working with Airbus on the C-295 transport aircraft, as around 70 of them are going to be inducted into the forces, with the majority of them getting made in India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see such diverse contenders - Brazil, US, and Russia. Hope the evaluation is purely on technical merit, lifecycle costs, and the strength of the technology transfer, not just the lowest bid. The IAF needs the best tool for the job.
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Rohit P
Good to see Tata and Mahindra in the fray. But what about HAL? The article says they *might* tie up with the Russian side. HAL should be at the forefront of such strategic partnerships. Hope they get a strong role and not just be an assembler.
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Priya S
We are already getting C-295 from Airbus and have C-130Js. Do we need another type of transport aircraft? Wouldn't it strain logistics and training? Maybe we should focus on increasing the numbers of a common type already in service.
A
Aman W
Strategic diversification is good, but we must be careful with Russian spare parts and support given the current geopolitical situation. The US option (Lockheed-Tata) seems reliable for long-term supply chains. Jai Hind!
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Nikhil C
The Embraer-Mahindra combo is a dark horse. Brazilian planes are known for being cost-effective and suitable for varied conditions. Could be a smart choice for a multirole workhorse. Hope the DAC clears it soon!

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