EEL Eyes Indigenous Military Transport Aircraft Development, Potentially Competing with TATA C-295 for Replacing IAF's An-32 and IL-76 Fleet

Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of the Solar Group of Industries, is exploring the development of a military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to industry sources. While the proposal is in its preliminary stages, it could signal a significant shift in India's domestic defence manufacturing landscape.

The exact specifications of the proposed aircraft remain undisclosed. However, considering Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is currently manufacturing the C-295MW transport aircraft for the IAF, speculation suggests EEL's project may target the IAF's future Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement.

The MTA program is intended to replace the IAF's aging Antonov An-32 and, potentially supplement/partially replace, Ilyushin Il-76 fleets, with an estimated need for 60 aircraft. The An-32, a twin-turboprop aircraft, has been in service since the 1980s and is crucial for transport in high-altitude regions. The IL-76 is a much heaver, four-engine jet primarily for strategic heavy lift.

Reports indicate that EEL might seek partnerships with dormant aerospace firms to obtain existing aircraft designs. Should the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the IAF greenlight the program, these designs could be further developed and built within India.

The creation of a military transport aircraft is a considerable challenge, requiring substantial investment and technological expertise. Beyond securing MoD approval, EEL must demonstrate that its proposed aircraft meets the IAF's stringent operational needs. This includes proving the company's technical capabilities, financial soundness, and a viable plan for executing such a large-scale project. It also require substantial testing, certification process.

The C-295, being built under a partnership between TASL and Airbus Defence and Space, is a tactical transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 9 tonnes of payload or 71 troops. While this satisfies some of the IAF transport need, it does not fullfill the role of heavier lift platforms, such as the much larger IL-76.

If EEL's proposal advances, it could significantly broaden the involvement of India's private sector in aerospace manufacturing. The company's foray into this area would build upon existing efforts to boost indigenous defence production and address the IAF's modernization requirements. It also open competition in this segment.

 

[Vicky]

EEL should go for it, but MOD should assure them they're gonna acquire the aircraft.The company should change its name...

 

[Sandeep]

To develop a brand new clean sheet military cargo plane with a company that has no experience or knowledge in aerospace in a short period of time wouldn’t be possible. It will take them years just to design it, years to test it fully and assuming it doesn’t require any modifications then a few years to start production and the most important part is that it will be very expensive to invest in with no possible hope of receiving any returns for more than a decade.

If they want to go into the aerospace business then that’s good but considering that our existing An-32 planes are close to retiring or should have been retired then it will be doubtful to think they can produce a brand new military transport.

 

[Rajesh]

Good decision, in fact, the best one from an Indian company. Rather than screwdriver and stay idle, it would be good if the govt encourages such companies which acquire a defunct company or a particular platform and own the IP and modify it based on our requirements. Since Tata is already screwdrivering a western aircraft and will cover the 10-ton category, the next will be a category below 35 tons, and if Economic Explosives Ltd acquires some defunct company, for example, Antonov An-188, which comes under the 35-ton category. Can ask Boeing to act as a consultant and by which can also keep Uncle Sam happy. Also, this platform can be modified to various applications like AWACS, refuellers, etc.

 

[RajeshN]

We are in a position currently, we have to believe them. They have invested heavily into R&D, unlike screwdriver Adanis or Mahindras. If they are ready to hire engineers from foreign countries, buy a trusted design like Ukrainian or Japanese or European, and invest heavily into all infrastructure required for making a large transport aircraft, why not support them? It's a riskier approach for sure. But if they succeed, they are not just getting into transport aircraft; they will be opening a Pandora's box for India. And I will cheer for them.

Actually solar gr must buy dormat aerospace co, this will be helpful to fast track project, and they should एम्प्लॉयी people from ukaraine aerospace ind which they will get

 

[P2S2]

I think Indian armed forces should buy extra defence items from new private companies. Maybe they don't need it, but still, it will give new companies a boost, and they will get experience. Suppose they need 100 cargo planes, they may buy some extra from new companies also. It will create an environment.

Yes encouraging idea.

 

[P2S2]

Actually solar gr must buy dormat aerospace co, this will be helpful to fast track project, and they should एम्प्लॉयी people from ukaraine aerospace ind which they will get

Yes

 

[P2S2]

Good decision, in fact, the best one from an Indian company. Rather than screwdriver and stay idle, it would be good if the govt encourages such companies which acquire a defunct company or a particular platform and own the IP and modify it based on our requirements. Since Tata is already screwdrivering a western aircraft and will cover the 10-ton category, the next will be a category below 35 tons, and if Economic Explosives Ltd acquires some defunct company, for example, Antonov An-188, which comes under the 35-ton category. Can ask Boeing to act as a consultant and by which can also keep Uncle Sam happy. Also, this platform can be modified to various applications like AWACS, refuellers, etc.

Not just encourage. It needs to be proactive and HUNT for the Doers.

 

[P2S2]

We are in a position currently, we have to believe them. They have invested heavily into R&D, unlike screwdriver Adanis or Mahindras. If they are ready to hire engineers from foreign countries, buy a trusted design like Ukrainian or Japanese or European, and invest heavily into all infrastructure required for making a large transport aircraft, why not support them? It's a riskier approach for sure. But if they succeed, they are not just getting into transport aircraft; they will be opening a Pandora's box for India. And I will cheer for them.

Failure is the stepping stone to success. Every failure generates valuable data. Be proactive or lose your jobs. There's no time for inefficiencies in anything including governance.

 

[prasant kumar shaarma]

It seems required technologies are scattered, and one very good manager can start up the project at a fraction of the cost.
If honesty is still around, the Solar group should be given a patient hearing and then maybe a chance to produce a prototype.

 

[123Stormtrooper]

The exact plane we need is Kawasaki C-2, but the Japanese are too constipated to do defense cooperation with Bharat. EEL should aim to make our own KC-2.

 

[R. Singh]

Indian Pvt firms with Foreign collaboration should make 40 ton MTA for IAF !

 

[WarTech]

The article doesn't mention whether they will design and develop or will do a JV with a foreign company.It's a big leap for them if they're trying to do the former. Although, a big if.

Buying defunct companies with existing design and building them.

 

[beencensured]

Why not EE try to establish a local assembly unit for Passenger Jets, from Airbus or Boeing? 🤔

Useless as we have to compete in terms of fuel efficiency, and operational cost. They will only give old designs that will be non-competitive.