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IAF to Get 60 'Bahubali' Aircraft, Tanks and Artillery to Land on Enemy's Chest
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News18•21-09-2026, 17:29
IAF to Get 60 'Bahubali' Aircraft, Tanks and Artillery to Land on Enemy's Chest
- •Indian Air Force to acquire 60 new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) under a mega plan worth approximately 1 lakh crore rupees.
- •These new aircraft will replace the old AN-32 fleet and be more powerful than the C-130J Super Hercules.
- •12 aircraft will be delivered directly, while 48 will be manufactured in India under 'Make in India'.
- •The new fleet will be capable of delivering 18 to 30 tons of heavy military equipment and artillery to the battlefield.
- •Brazil's Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft is a potential contender, partnering with Mahindra Defense for the Indian program.
Key Questions Answered
The Ministry of Defense has prepared a mega plan valued at approximately 1 lakh crore rupees to acquire 60 modern Medium Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Under this major defense project, 12 aircraft will be delivered directly in fly-ready condition, while the remaining 48 heavy aircraft will be manufactured locally in India.
The new aircraft will be capable of carrying heavy military equipment and artillery weighing between 18 to 30 tons, featuring higher speed, longer range, and advanced avionics compared to the retiring AN-32 fleet.
