Published 2026-08-13
Summary: India has issued a global tender to domestically manufacture at least 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with an estimated value of about $10 billion. The plan calls for 12 aircraft to be delivered in fly-away condition and 48 to be manufactured in India with more than 60 percent indigenous content.
What We Know
- A global tender has been issued to domestically manufacture at least 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
- The tender is estimated to be worth about $10 billion (₹1 lakh crore).
- In the procurement, 12 aircraft are to be delivered in fly-away condition and 48 are to be manufactured in India.
- The procurement requires more than 60 percent indigenous content.
- The announcement points to a push for domestic manufacturing and industrial participation in the defense sector.
What’s Still Unclear
- Exact submission deadlines and bid dates for the tender.
- Identities of domestic partners or consortia that may participate in the bidding.
- Specific aircraft models or configurations being targeted beyond the multirole transport role.
- Timeline for potential contract award and actual delivery schedules beyond the split between fly-away and in-country manufacture.
Context
India’s defense procurement framework has increasingly emphasized domestic manufacturing and indigenization, aiming to bolster local industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Global tenders for large-mauge platforms like multirole transport aircraft can shape vendor selection, industrial participation, and the development of related supply chains within the country.
Why It Matters
The move could influence India’s air force capabilities, production ecosystems, and technology transfer, while impacting domestic defense industry players and international suppliers seeking to compete in a major Indian procurement program.
What to Watch Next
- Official bid submission deadlines and shortlisted bidders to be announced by the procurement agency.
- Any clarifications or amendments to the tender terms, including indigenous content thresholds.
- Updates on potential domestic industrial partners and consortia and their roles in the program.
- Any subsequent contract award and timelines for delivery of the 12 fly-away aircraft and 48 indigenously manufactured aircraft.
FAQ
Q: What is the total estimated value of the tender?
A: About $10 billion (₹1 lakh crore).
Q: How many aircraft are to be delivered in fly-away condition?
A: 12 aircraft.
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Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: India has issued a global tender to domestically manufacture at least 60 multirole transport aircraft for the air force at an estimated cost of $10 billion, sources say…
Sources
- India Issues Tender For 60 Multirole Transport Aircraft As C-390, C …
- India Issues Rs 1 Lakh Crore Tender for 60 New Multirole Transport …
- India floats Rs 1 lakh crore tender for 60 transport aircraft to …
- MoD issues ₹1 lakh cr worth tender for acquiring 60 multirole transport …
- India Said to Seek 60 Transport Aircraft in $10 Billion Tender