Defence Ministry Floats ₹1 Lakh Crore Tender for 60 Transport Aircraft

The Defence Ministry issued a ₹1 lakh crore tender on August 12, 2026, to acquire 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force to replace its ageing cargo fleet.

The programme requires Indian companies to partner with global OEMs, with 20% of aircraft arriving in fly-away condition and the remainder manufactured domestically with over 60% indigenous content.

Potential offerings include the C-130J Super Hercules from Tata and Lockheed Martin, and the C-390 Millennium from Mahindra Defence and Embraer, aimed at enhancing strategic airlift and aerial refuelling capabilities.