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.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

I hope they succeed rather than some screwdriver some products from other companies.

 

[swatkats_razor]

While it is encouraging to see a newcomer enter into development of a new transport aircraft, considering the fact that the Solar Group doesn't have much of a background in the aerospace sector, it would be good for the group to produce a prototype through internal sources and present it to the customer, i.e., IAF.

I hope they succeed in their aspirations in a big way.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

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.

 

[beencensured]

While it is encouraging to see a newcomer enter into development of a new transport aircraft, considering the fact that the Solar Group doesn't have much of a background in the aerospace sector, it would be good for the group to produce a prototype through internal sources and present it to the customer, i.e., IAF.

I hope they succeed in their aspirations in a big way.

Solar group has made several wonderful drones that have beaten foreign drones in competition. They are taking a safe path in design, leveraging existing technology. The attitude "do not even try nor take risks" is something of an evil mind that has kept India backward. If the Ministry can back Tata screwdriver middlemen, single-vendor deal-building Tata's factory, then it ought to back IDDM products, which actually benefit the country in high-paying jobs.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

While it is encouraging to see a newcomer enter into development of a new transport aircraft, considering the fact that the Solar Group doesn't have much of a background in the aerospace sector, it would be good for the group to produce a prototype through internal sources and present it to the customer, i.e., IAF.

I hope they succeed in their aspirations in a big way.

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.

 

[Rinne Tensei]

Good strategy, Chinese too did this by acquiring defunct European companies' designs.

 

[Sudha]

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.

While you do not give job opportunities to others, Adanis & Mahindra are giving jobs to thousands of Bharatiyas. You sit in your chair & just criticize. Moreover, DPSUs are doing screw driving since 1947. I didn't hear you criticizing them.

 

[ConcernedCitizen]

Didn't the same company also propose some long-range but cheap rockets for the Indian Army like 3 years ago, saying it would be developed in 2 years? Now DRDO seems to be working on a longer-range Pinaka since there was no progress on the private sector development?

 

[Sudha]

Solar group has made several wonderful drones that have beaten foreign drones in competition. They are taking a safe path in design, leveraging existing technology. The attitude "do not even try nor take risks" is something of an evil mind that has kept India backward. If the Ministry can back Tata screwdriver middlemen, single-vendor deal-building Tata's factory, then it ought to back IDDM products, which actually benefit the country in high-paying jobs.

I did not see you taking risks to contribute to Bharat's defence but criticize others when they contribute to Bharat's defence. What a lousy attitude.

 

[Sudha]

Didn't the same company also propose some long-range but cheap rockets for the Indian Army like 3 years ago, saying it would be developed in 2 years? Now DRDO seems to be working on a longer-range Pinaka since there was no progress on the private sector development?

Even if they did not, there is no loss to the taxpayers. But when DPSUs & government labs do not perform on expected lines, then it is a loss to the taxpayers. BTW, EEL is involved in the manufacture of Pinaka rockets. Update your info before criticizing.

 

[beencensured]

I did not see you taking risks to contribute to Bharat's defence but criticize others when they contribute to Bharat's defence. What a lousy attitude.

I am very happy for the Solar Group initiative and hope the government and public give all assistance they need for the development of this transport aircraft and other types of aircraft. Let me be clear, any company that does IDDM work in India, I support.

 

[venkat]

The govt. should fund R&D and equipment for some pvt. sector projects as well. Need to have a huge R&D budget.

 

[GMR]

This is hard to believe. It's a major business diversification for Solar Industries, considering its core business. It will be great if they can pull it off.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

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.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

While it is interesting news, common sense tells us that it is better for some existing aircraft manufacturer to venture into this rather than a new entity starting from the ground up. HAL and Tatas are best suited for this unless EEL joins hands with someone, Indian or foreign. Further, an order of just 60 units may not be economically viable to set up a new unit. EEL is doing great on the drone front and ideally it should continue in its existing lines.

 

[P2S2]

Like minded will congregate and mitigate deficiency in glaring similar situations

 

[Prem Jain]

Private participation in this sector will boost the production of military equipment and also innovation can be expected. The red tapes can be avoided and Atmanirbhar Bharat or Make in India will be effectively achieved. It’s a very heartening news and program

 

[St. Thomas]

The ultimate challenge is to indigeneously build aircraft to replace the IL 76 and C17 which then can easily open our way to passenger plane industry. Believe Tatas and other Indian companies should learn the basic technology from Airbus and Boeing or Embraer and then improve and develop on it like the Chinese do and should use the talents of the IITs and IISc and bring back some talents from abroad giving adequate compensation. Also talents are there in other companies and universities.

 

[P2S2]

The ultimate challenge is to indigeneously build aircraft to replace the IL 76 and C17 which then can easily open our way to passenger plane industry. Believe Tatas and other Indian companies should learn the basic technology from Airbus and Boeing or Embraer and then improve and develop on it like the Chinese do and should use the talents of the IITs and IISc and bring back some talents from abroad giving adequate compensation. Also talents are there in other companies and universities.

Market is huge, trust has been earned, ability needs a kick to transform India into a desired jobs destination. In the meantime export anything you have we are going to add another billion people.

While it is interesting news, common sense tells us that it is better for some existing aircraft manufacturer to venture into this rather than a new entity starting from the ground up. HAL and Tatas are best suited for this unless EEL joins hands with someone, Indian or foreign. Further, an order of just 60 units may not be economically viable to set up a new unit. EEL is doing great on the drone front and ideally it should continue in its existing lines.

Common sense has been found to hamper innovative thinking in the class system scenarios.