The Ministry of Defence has issued two separate requests for information (RFIs) seeking proposals for 60 multi-role transport aircraft and 150 trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force, in a move that could significantly expand India's domestic military aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The combined programmes are expected to involve investments running into tens of thousands of crores and are being positioned within the government's broader push for self-reliance in defence production.

The larger proposal involves 60 multi-role transport aircraft, with defence sources estimating the programme's value at nearly Rs 1 lakh crore. According to the RFI, domestic manufacturing is a key requirement, meaning the aircraft are expected to be produced in India rather than simply imported as finished platforms. The approach is aligned with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, which seeks to increase indigenous production and reduce dependence on overseas defence suppliers.

The programme could attract major Indian aerospace players, including Tata Group, Mahindra Group and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These companies have expanded their aerospace capabilities in recent years. Tata has established a significant presence in military aircraft manufacturing through its C-295 programme with Airbus, including an aircraft assembly facility in Gujarat. The experience gained from that project could strengthen India's ability to undertake larger indigenous or locally assembled transport aircraft programmes.

Also Read: IAF’s Bhawana Kanth Makes History By Becoming First Woman Fighter Combat Leader

The proposed transport aircraft are expected to replace or supplement parts of the Indian Air Force's ageing tactical airlift fleet. A larger and more modern transport capability would improve the military's ability to move personnel, equipment and supplies rapidly across India's geographically challenging areas. This includes supporting forward deployments in the Himalayas as well as maintaining logistics links with island territories in the Indian Ocean.

The second RFI covers 150 trainer aircraft, reflecting the Air Force's requirement to strengthen its training fleet and prepare a larger number of pilots for operational service. Together, the transport and trainer aircraft programmes could generate demand across a broad section of India's aerospace supply chain, ranging from major system integrators and tier-one manufacturers to smaller component and engineering companies.

Officials said the procurement could therefore have an impact beyond the immediate aircraft contracts. Greater domestic production would create opportunities for Indian suppliers involved in components, avionics, structures, maintenance and other aerospace systems. It could also help deepen industrial capabilities developed through earlier defence manufacturing partnerships and increase the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the aerospace ecosystem.

The two RFIs represent an early stage of the procurement process and do not amount to final contracts. The government will have to evaluate responses, define technical and commercial requirements and proceed through subsequent stages before orders are placed. If the programmes move forward as outlined, however, they could become important components of India's long-term effort to build a larger domestic military aviation industry while modernising the Indian Air Force's aircraft fleet.

Also Read: India Faces Zero Stealth Fighters as China's J-20 Fleet Grows