Modernizing India's Airlift: The MTA, An-32 & IL-76 Replacement, and Evolving IAF Doctrine

In a candid interview with Bharat Shakti, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri outlined the Indian Air Force's (IAF) vision for modernizing its vital airlift capabilities.

The recently issued Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender signals a critical shift in IAF strategy, with plans to phase out legacy Soviet-era workhorses like the An-32 and IL-76 in the early 2030s.

The Search for the Ideal Workhorse​

The Indian Air Force needs a true workhorse, demonstrating versatility while balancing strategic and tactical needs. The desired cargo capacity of 25-40 tons leaves the IAF with an interesting choice to make. This range places the requirement squarely between traditional 'medium' and 'heavy' airlifter categories.

This ambiguity, combined with the shortlist of contenders, hints at several potential IAF priorities:

• Embraer C-390M (Brazil): At the lower end of the desired payload range, the C-390M could represent a desire for a higher number of aircraft for tactical airlift in challenging terrain and a focus on affordability.
• Airbus A400M (Europe): Offering superior payload, the A400M could signal a move towards larger formations of heavier airlifters focused on strategic reach with fewer aircraft needed overall.
• Lockheed Martin C-130J (USA): While a proven platform, falling short of the capacity requirement might indicate the C-130J is only in the running if the IAF lowers its payload target.

Beyond Payload: Critical Factors for the IAF​

The final MTA selection won't be based on payload alone. Here's what else the IAF will likely consider in its decision:

• Operating Range: India's vast geography and strategic interests demand an aircraft with significant range, even with mid-air refueling capabilities factored in.
• Fuel Efficiency: Lower operational costs are a vital factor in the current budgetary climate, potentially giving an edge to platforms like the fuel-sipping C-390M.
• Life-Cycle Costs: Initial acquisition is only one part of the equation. IAF will analyze maintenance, upgrade potential, and long-term ownership costs.
• 'Make in India' Factor: Domestic production requirements might strongly influence the final choice, possibly giving a hidden edge to a contender willing to establish a substantial manufacturing base in India.

Conclusion​

The MTA tender is more than just a procurement decision– it reflects the evolving doctrines of the IAF. The choice that's ultimately made will indicate whether India prioritizes:

• Tactical Flexibility: Emphasizing a larger number of smaller aircraft to support operations in diverse, challenging terrain.
• Strategic Reach: Focusing on fewer, larger aircraft capable of projecting power over vast distances quickly.

Whichever direction the IAF chooses, the MTA program will shape its airlift abilities and strategic posture for decades to come.

 

[Benith]

The article left out one other crucial plane. The Ukrainian Antonov 70 can carry a higher load than the three planes mentioned above. The plane can carry around 50t which makes this plane the ideal and best plane for the MTA competition and the technology has been upgraded to the modern requirements and standards that's expected today. Another main benefit is that we could get a very good deal as Ukraine needs the money and we could get a large amount of technology transfer, local production and a much cheaper price than what other companies are charging. Another key benefit is that this can teach India how to design and develop a MTA so after this plane is retired we will have our own indigenous MTA version in place. Another important technology that they have developed is the D27 propfan engine which is reliable, fuel efficient and high thrust which has a low maintenance need.

A foreign trip on Indian tax payer money to Ukraine does not feel great for any Indian officer(IAS or armed forces) let alone the top brass compared to lets say airbus's facilities in France or Germany. We are engaging with Ukraine for AN-32 and some other aeroengines because its a legacy of USSR.

 

[Benith]

C-390 already has a civil certification and reportedly has a stretched military\civilian design in the pipeline. If the mahindras can pull this off with sufficient TOT, they will have a military order for 100+ planes including for the tanker version. Lets face it the new tanker competition for A-330 or KC-46 will meet the same fate as previous tanker competitions. We don't need such huge capacity tanker aircraft to fly intercontinental missions. KC-390 can fulfil all of IAF tanker missions. A civilian version of C-390 for domestic air travel will also be quite useful for the Indian domestic market and aligns with the PM's vision of having Airbus or Boeing manufacture their planes in India. Since C-390 uses the same engine as old A-320, it will be cost efficient and reliable for operators to switch to C-390 civilian version as well.

 

[Sandeep]

A foreign trip on Indian tax payer money to Ukraine does not feel great for any Indian officer(IAS or armed forces) let alone the top brass compared to lets say airbus's facilities in France or Germany. We are engaging with Ukraine for AN-32 and some other aeroengines because its a legacy of USSR.

We have to replace those ageing planes with some plane. The taxpayers don’t want their money spent on expensive planes from airbus or embraer etc. They would prefer to use it on the best affordable price. They would want their money being spent on development or infrastructure that benefits them like water, gas, electric connections or a large amount of subsidised houses or flats, roads, rail, airports, internet etc which is what the taxpayer want rather than paying a large amount of money on a transport plane which they could of got it cheaper.

The Antonov 70 is the best and affordable plane and Ukraine would give us a large amount of the technology and local production as they need money for their war so India should take advantage of this opportunity as making the planes in India would teach us how to design and develop our own plane.

 

[Sunnyj]

Kawasaki C2 much better than A400m. Flies higher, faster and longer. Not to mention that cargo area height is much less in A400 for half the area. Not sure if C2 is now certified for rough field landing though. With modern engines and winglets it will be much much better.
C390 vs C130: C130 much better, stick with it.
Il-76 too narrow fuselage, erratic spare parts supply.
An-70 Are they still producing after the attack on their factory, too risky anyway.

 

[పవన్కుమార్]

Good Decision . The best decision is also there. Retrofit IL76 and use it as Kaveri Engine Test Bed Aircraft that conducts High altitude test trials like one does IL 76 in russia does. Probably agreement and retrofit IL76 with the help of russia shall help save kaveri engine test bed facility. 👍🏻