Hunt for a Transporter

Atul Chandra

Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine has led to disruption in supply of spares and equipment to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) transport fleet of Ilyushin IL-76 ‘Gajraj’ heavy transport and Antonov AN-32 ‘Sutlej’ medium transport aircraft. Both aircraft can be considered as the backbone of the IAF’s transport fleet and the already ageing fleet is now unlikely to remain in service for more than a decade. In addition to the IL-76 and AN-32, which are likely to be phased out by early 2030s, the IAF also operates three Western transport aircraft types in the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 and the 1960s vintage HS-748 ‘Avro’.

Embraer C-390

From the mid-2030s, the IAF will not have to operate any Russian transport plane and its future transport aircraft mix will feature its fleet of 11 C-17 strategic transport aircraft at the top end, the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) in the middle, followed by the C-130J-30 and the C-295 MW, which is the replacement for the HS-748 ‘Avro’ built under licence by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

New Transport Type

Considering the inordinate delay in aircraft procurement for the IAF, the service has taken the well-advised move of pressing ahead with its requirement for a new MTA. In February, the IAF issued a requirement for a new MTA in the 18-30 tonne class. The air force has not specified an engine configuration, opening the door to both turboprop and turbofan powered aircraft. The RFI stated that the air force could acquire up to 80 of the new MTAs, which will also need to be produced under licence in India. Lockheed Martin and Embraer have both expressed interest in participating in the IAF tender.

Embraer showcased its contender, the C-390 Millennium military multi-mission tactical air transport aircraft at the Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, where the aircraft was on static display. Embraer already has a foothold with the IAF as its ERJ-135 is operated for VVIP duties and the ERJ-145 is used as the platform for the Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) platform. India is a key market for Embraer. Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defence & Security, says the company is keen to establish partnerships in the country that can further boost India’s defence industries and capabilities. The C-390 can carry 26 tonnes of cargo compared to other medium-sized military cargo aircraft. It can also attain a top s