India-made transport aircraft for IAF

The MTAs would not just be manufactured in India but it will also encourage the other defence companies to invest and expand under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to deliver top in the range defence products

New Delhi, Feb 8: Indigenization is what India has been doing a lot under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Particularly since the launch of the 'Make in India' mission, the government has put a lot of effort into it even as defence production is upped and reliance on imported defence platforms is decreased gradually but definitely. Following the dictum from PM Modi, the Indian Air Force has initiated the process of acquiring a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) that will be made in India.

The MTAs would not only be manufactured in India but it will also encourage the other defence companies to invest and expand under the 'Make in India' initiative to deliver top in the range defence products to Indian defence forces. It's not that India is not manufacturing MTA but there is always a scope for advancements, upgrades and innovations.

For instance, one MTA program is already there with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The public sector defence production unit is developing the MTA in partnership with a Russian company. This could carry 15-20 tonnes of cargo and easily transport troops. The aircraft could also be utilized for para trooping or airdrop of supplies.

Replacing AN-32 by India-made MTA

Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to procure new transport aircraft to replace AN-32 and for that it has even initiated the process. To make acquisition swift, the IAF has also issued a 'request for information' (RFI) to buy an MTA that could carry 18 to 30 tonnes. From this, it appears that the MTA that HAL is working on does not meet the specific IAF requirement as it has a carrying capacity of 15-20 tonnes only.

However, HAL could still bid for the project as it has the required setup and experience. The RFI requires that the company that is going to supply these MTAs must give a time frame of production and also furnish information about delivery with stage wise breakup of the entire project post conclusion of contract. The Air Force has also made it clear that the delivery of the aircrafts should be done within 36 months of signing of the contract.

Since, the government is giving huge thrust on 'Make in India' the RFI from the Air Force makes it clear that the bidding company must also tell methods to enhance indigenisation. The bidding company will also be talking about how it would set up a dedicated manufacturing line, including design, integration and manufacturing processes in India, either through its own subsidiary or in a joint venture.