India is planning to acquire 60 multi-role transport aircraft and 150 trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force as part of a broader push to expand domestic defence and aerospace manufacturing.
The Defence Ministry has issued separate requests for information (RFIs) for the two programmes, which together could be worth tens of thousands of crores. The transport aircraft programme alone is estimated at nearly Rs 1 lakh crore.
The ministry has prioritised domestic manufacturing for the transport aircraft, with the platforms expected to be built in India rather than imported as finished aircraft. The move is in line with the government's push for greater self-reliance in defence production.
Tata Group, Mahindra Group and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are among the companies expected to compete for the transport aircraft programme. Tata has expanded its aerospace manufacturing capabilities through the C-295 project with Airbus in Gujarat.
The proposed aircraft are expected to replace or supplement India's ageing tactical transport fleet and strengthen the military's ability to move troops, equipment and supplies to remote areas, including forward positions along the northern borders and island territories.
Officials said the programme could also benefit India's wider aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, including component makers and small and medium-sized suppliers.
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Separately, the Defence Ministry has sought information for 150 trainer aircraft, a programme estimated to be worth around Rs 15,000 crore.
HAL, which manufactures the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft for the IAF, is expected to have an advantage in the programme because of its existing production facilities, supply chain and experience with trainer aircraft.
A contract for the trainer aircraft could be signed within the next 12-16 months, according to people tracking the procurement process.
The two programmes reflect a growing emphasis on domestic manufacturing in India's defence acquisitions, with private companies increasingly competing alongside established public-sector manufacturers.
However, both procurements remain at the RFI stage. Formal tenders, technical evaluations and commercial negotiations will have to be completed before contracts are awarded.
If implemented, the projects could significantly expand India's indigenous aircraft manufacturing capacity while reducing dependence on imported platforms.
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