60 aircraft to reshape IAF’s airlift power: Inside the ₹1 lakh crore plan

The Indian Air Force is preparing for one of its biggest transport fleet modernisation programmes, with around 60 multi-role aircraft planned at an estimated cost of nearly ₹1 lakh crore.

The Defence Ministry is preparing to acquire around 60 multi-role transport aircraft to replace ageing platforms and strengthen the IAF's strategic airlift capabilities.

The aircraft would allow the force to move troops, equipment and supplies more rapidly while expanding its ability to support operations across different regions.

The programme is also expected to have a significant domestic manufacturing component, with Indian companies positioned to partner global aircraft manufacturers.

Indian firms at centre of the programme

The tender has reportedly been issued to several Indian companies, including HAL, Tata and Mahindra.

Mahindra Defence has partnered with Brazilian aerospace major Embraer to offer the C-390 Millennium.

Tata is working with US-based Lockheed Martin to pitch the C-130J Super Hercules, an aircraft already operated by the IAF. India currently has 12 C-130J aircraft.

The involvement of Indian companies is expected to make local manufacturing a major part of the proposed acquisition.

Most aircraft could be made in India

Around 20% of the aircraft could be delivered in fly-away condition, while the remaining aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India.

The programme envisages more than 60% indigenous content for aircraft produced domestically through joint ventures between Indian companies and original equipment manufacturers.

This could expand India's capabilities in military aircraft production, components, maintenance and aerospace supply chains.

Aircraft could also support aerial refuelling

The proposed multi-role aircraft would not necessarily be limited to troop and cargo transport.

The platforms could potentially be configured for aerial refuelling, allowing them to support fighter aircraft during longer-range operations.

Their transport capability would also help the IAF move personnel and heavy equipment quickly during military operations, emergencies and disaster-response missions.

C-295 programme already underway

The proposed fleet expansion comes as the IAF continues its separate C-295 transport aircraft programme with Airbus.

Around 70 C-295 aircraft are planned, with most expected to be manufactured in India.

The IAF is simultaneously pursuing other major modernisation projects, including a tender for 114 fighter aircraft and plans to acquire more than 100 trainer aircraft to replace Hawk trainers and expand pilot-training capacity.

Why the transport fleet matters

Transport aircraft are essential for strategic mobility because they allow militaries to quickly move personnel, vehicles, equipment and supplies over long distances.

For the IAF, modernising the fleet could improve its ability to respond rapidly across India's geographically challenging areas while reducing dependence on ageing aircraft.

A larger fleet could also strengthen India's capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

The proposed ₹1 lakh crore programme is significant because it combines military fleet modernisation with India's push for domestic aerospace manufacturing.

Rather than simply importing 60 aircraft, the proposed model would involve Indian companies working with global manufacturers and producing a substantial portion of the fleet domestically.

The programme would also add another layer to India's transport capabilities alongside the C-295 fleet. If the new aircraft are configured for aerial refuelling, they could have an additional role in supporting fighter operations.

The larger objective is therefore twofold: replace ageing transport aircraft while building India's ability to manufacture and maintain advanced military platforms at home.