Russia to Offer Upgraded Il-76MD-90AE Aircraft with ToT for India Amid Potential IAF Cargo Capacity Revisions in MTA Tender

According to recent reports, Russia is preparing to pitch its advanced Il-76MD-90AE strategic airlifter to India, complete with a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement.

This proposal comes at a critical time, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly reconsidering the payload specifications for its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement programme.

If the IAF decides to increase its cargo capacity demands, the modernised Russian heavy-lifter could become a formidable option.

The Shifting Landscape of the MTA Programme​

The IAF's MTA initiative is currently undergoing a significant strategic shift.

Initially, the Request for Information (RFI) issued in late 2022 targeted the acquisition of up to 80 aircraft within the 18-to-30-ton payload category.

This original framework was designed primarily to phase out the ageing fleet of over 100 Antonov An-32 tactical transport planes.

Currently, the known contenders for the MTA tender include:

• Embraer C-390 Millennium (up to 26-ton capacity)
• Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules (roughly 20-ton capacity)
• Airbus A400M Atlas (37-ton capacity)

However, recent statements from IAF leadership indicate a desire to consolidate the transport fleet by using the MTA to replace both the An-32s and the heavier Il-76 jets.

Because the legacy Il-76 handles payloads of over 40 tons, merging these two replacement streams could force the IAF to significantly raise the required cargo limits in its formal Request for Proposal (RFP).

This uncertainty creates an opening for heavier platforms to enter the competition.

The Il-76MD-90AE Advantage​

The IAF already possesses decades of institutional experience operating Soviet and Russian transport aircraft, heavily relying on the An-32 and legacy Il-76 alongside the American Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

Russia hopes to capitalise on this familiarity with the Il-76MD-90AE, a deeply modernised version of the classic airframe.

Key upgrades of the Il-76MD-90AE include:

• Enhanced Payload and Engines: Equipped with four new-generation PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, the aircraft boasts improved fuel efficiency and a maximum payload capacity bumped up to 60 tons.
• Modernised Systems: The platform features a reinforced airframe and a fully digital "glass" cockpit, integrating modern flight control and navigation avionics.
• Versatile Operations: Crucially for India's varied terrain, the aircraft retains the ability to operate from short, semi-prepared, or unpaved runways—essential for high-altitude logistics near the borders and disaster relief missions.

Aligning with Domestic Defence Manufacturing​

A major cornerstone of the Russian proposal is the inclusion of a Transfer of Technology (ToT) package.

For India, importing finished defence hardware is increasingly taking a backseat to indigenous manufacturing.

By offering local assembly and manufacturing rights, Russia's pitch aligns seamlessly with the Indian government's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Should the IAF expand the MTA's payload requirements, a ToT-backed Il-76MD-90AE would allow India to build domestic aerospace expertise while securing a familiar, heavy-lift backbone for its future transport fleet.

 

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[SandeepGupta]

After C17 Globestar IL76MD90 AE is the best aircraft as lifts 60 Tons and India must go for the Modernised Version of 50 such planes with 20 Spare Engines per aircraft or if possible with 100% ToT of Engines and also an MRO facility with technical experts. Price would be 90000 Crore.

Simultaneously 20 Ton Weight Carrying 100 Mi26 T2V Helicopters with 10 Spares Engines per Helicopter with MRO facility with Technical Experts and 100% ToT of Engine be purchased for 50000 Crore from Russia.

Simultaneously 10 Squadrons of S500 for 2.55 Lakh Crore with ToT of ammunition and critical parts and 660 Pantasir SM-SV Variant be purchased for 4.50 Lakh Crore with Complete ToT and also 18 6000x8000 Kms Sq. Vorenezh Radars be purchased for 0.45 Lakh Crore..

For CATSA Waiver nearly Equivalent amount of 8.0 Lakh Crore 200 Boeing Dreamliner 787 series 8/9/10 passenger jets can be purchased. Also 4000 Javelin ATGMs be purchased for 36000 Crore and 36 Romeo Helicopters be purchased for 50000 Crore.

37 Ton weight carrying ATLAS A400M Comes 3rd being too pricey. Say 40 such planes with MRO facility with Technical Expertise can be bought for 1.3 Lac Crore.

Though Brazilian 26 Tons Weight carrying C390 Millenium is a waste of money but if 100% Technology transfer is there purchasing few can be thought of? As Engines are of USA so Engine technology will not be passed on so better to shun it.