The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire up to 80 medium transport aircraft (MTA) to boost its airlift capabilities, with the Defence Acquisition Council expected to approve the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by December 2025. This will trigger the issuance of a global tender likely in January 2026. The competition features leading global aerospace firms: Lockheed Martin with its C-130J Super Hercules, Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium, and Airbus Defence and Space’s A400M. Lockheed Martin, which already has a presence in India through its partnership with Tata Advanced Systems, highlights its aircraft’s proven operational record and existing IAF infrastructure support. Embraer has teamed up with Mahindra, while Airbus’s Indian partner remains undisclosed. The tender emphasizes a payload capacity of 18 to 30 tonnes and mandates significant indigenous content, aligning with India’s Make in India initiative to bolster domestic defense manufacturing. This acquisition will replace the ageing An-32 fleet and enhance India’s long-term military and aerospace self-reliance, with first deliveries expected around 2030. The project is a critical part of the IAF’s modernization and strategic operational readiness efforts.