Germany is actively promoting its A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, highlighting deepening defense ties. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the aircraft’s strategic value during recent bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, noting its capabilities in high-altitude operations along the Line of Actual Control with China. The A400M, with a payload capacity of up to 40 tonnes, aims to replace the IAF’s aging fleet. While the aircraft’s higher unit cost presents challenges, Airbus proposes a local manufacturing setup under the Make in India initiative, potentially enhancing India’s defense industrial base and geopolitical standing in the region.