Transport Aircraft for IAF

[uddu]

As their roles increase, it's better to increase the order for C-295 and the upcoming C-390 and dedicate around 10% of the fleet for that specific role.

IAF Plans to Equip C-17, C-130, and C-295 with Air Dropped Canisterised Swarm Drones to Conduct 500km+ Range Precision Strikes
https://defence.in/threads/iaf-plans-to ... kes.17379/
06 April 2026

[Rakesh]

Mahindra–Embraer Talks in Brazil Set Stage for High-Stakes IAF MTA Contest
https://bharatshakti.in/mahindra-embrae ... a-contest/
12 April 2026

[uddu]

IAF Fast-Tracks Domestic Manufacturing of IL-76 and IL-78 Components to Ensure Readiness Amid Russian Supply Disruptions
https://defence.in/threads/iaf-fast-tra ... ons.17736/
12-05-2026
Throughout March and April 2026, the IAF rolled out a series of targeted procurement actions to ensure the steady availability of crucial aviation components.

[Tanaji]

Mahindra–Embraer Talks in Brazil Set Stage for High-Stakes IAF MTA Contest
https://bharatshakti.in/mahindra-embrae ... a-contest/
12 April 2026

Only the IAF can have a contest that pits turboprops with turbofans and aircrafts with payload capacities ranging from 19T to 36T.

[ashthor]

Suggestions on what can we do for the HS 748 Avro fleet?
Testbeds? VIP transport? can we turn them into tankers(for our increasing helicopter fleet the LCH and others) ?

[rajkumar]

Suggestions on what can we do for the HS 748 Avro fleet?
Testbeds? VIP transport? can we turn them into tankers(for our increasing helicopter fleet the LCH and others) ?

Make them into gate guardians. They airframes are probably approaching the end of their design life so unless you want to extend them by doing expensive upgrades.

[uddu]

When will India Build Its Own Passenger Aircraft? | HAL CMD DK Sunil | Episode 54
TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 — Future of Indian Civil Aircraft
00:29 — Why Aerospace & Air Power Matter
01:49 — Introduction to HAL & DK Sunil
03:24 — Journey Into Aerospace Engineering
05:38 — Multidisciplinary Nature of Aircraft Design
07:45 — Passion, Innovation & Engineering Mindset
08:39 — Why India Needs Indigenous Aerospace Industry
10:55 — Importance of Aircraft Software Control
13:31 — Future of Civil Aviation in India
16:42 — Aerospace Engineering Careers & Work Culture
19:07 — MATLAB, Simulation & Control Systems
21:18 — Material Science & Gas Turbine Opportunities
24:50 — AI, Sensor Fusion & Avionics Future
26:26 — Aircraft Manufacturing Challenges
29:38 — Aircraft Safety & Simulation Testing
31:21 — Future Technologies in Aviation
33:50 — Open Source UAV & Drone Ecosystem
35:02 — Faster Aircraft Development Using Digital Twins
38:16 — Global Aerospace Supply Chain Challenges
41:10 — Career Scope in Material Science & Composites
42:39 — Future of Drones & UAV Warfare
46:29 — Aerospace Startup Opportunities in India
49:19 — Advice for Aerospace Engineering Students
53:30 — When Will India Build Its Own Passenger Aircraft?
55:02 — Future of Gas Turbine Technology

[Rakesh]

The knives are out!

Embraer takes on Lockheed, says its KC-390 is 30% cheaper, better suited for IAF than C-130J
https://theprint.in/defence/embraer-tak ... j/2943370/
28 May 2026

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules at lower end of requirement with payload of about 19 tonnes, KC-390 near upper limit with 26 tonnes, while Airbus A 400M can lift 37 tonnes.

[SRajesh]

^^ A Turbofan vs two Turboprops.
Problem with FOD with KC-390 especially ALG, Semi prepared or unprepared track.
Yes can lift more than C-130j and cost effective and wider body. Commercial engines and cheaper to maintain than A400M.
Tactical lift : C130J
Medium Lift + Speed + lower lifecycle cost : KC-390
Heavy Lift: A 400M
But if one adds Tanker capability : all three but probably C130J more mature
Given Brazilian and given commercial engines I would say KC-390 with a caveat of accepting FOD!!

[Manish_P]

The knives are out!
...

It's fine as long as the back is not ours... trouble is once we get the phoren maal they can bring the knives right to our throats.

But we have no option till we can build our own

[VinodTK]

1st 'Made in India' Airbus C295 military transport aircraft has conducted its maiden test flight

The first 'Made in India' Airbus C295 military transport aircraft has conducted its first test flight from the Final Assembly Line in Vadodara , marking a milestone for Indian aviation and defence. This maiden test flight is a crucial step in the aircraft's post production testing process. As the first of 40 aircraft to be built in India, the test flight advances the programme's objective of delivering the first 'Made in India' C295 aircraft this year to the Indian Air Force. A game changer in the Government of India's 'Make in India' vision, the C295 India programme is the first instance of a military aircraft being manufactured in India by the private sector. The programme's progress reflects the steady and dedicated work of Airbus, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the several Indian MSMEs, which are manufacturing parts for the aircraft across India.

[uddu]

Not yet Indigenous, IAF. Assembling aircrafts should be not considered indigenous. That tag is a self defeating tag. When we have our own aircrafts like Saras and RTA gets inducted into the IAF, all of us can be proud and call it indigenous. Until then please stick to India made or Make in India tags. IAF need to go a long way to achieve the builder's IAF tag like IN use builder's Navy.

https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/2064747900882886928
@IAF_MCC

The Indian Air Force congratulates the entire team behind the successful maiden flight of the first India-made C-295.

The achievement reinforces India's growing aerospace capabilities and underscores the Indian Air Force commitment to fostering indigenous defence capability anirbhar Bharat.

https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/2055280726086717599
@IAF_MCC

Deputy Chief of the Air Staff visited the final assembly line of the C-295 at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Vadodara, where the first C-295 under the Make in India initiative is getting ready for its first flight. The program, executed in partnership between TASL and jor advancement in indigenous aerospace manufacturing and is a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

[drnayar]

Boeing “Encouraged” By C-17 Production Restart Discussions
https://www.twz.com/air/boeing-encourag ... iscussions
11 June 2026

Congress recently asked the USAF for a briefing on the feasibility of buying new C-17s and allies have interest too.

[Rakesh]

Oops

India's light tank Zorawar may face delays of up to 2 years as Army demands enhanced protection
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 642804.cms
11 June 2026

https://x.com/sriramthg/status/2065006789301862596?s=20 ---> I have another question for another service. What will happen to IAF's MTA requirements if Light Tank weight goes past 25 tons?

https://x.com/ViplavS21426807/status/20 ... 17163?s=20 ---> What made you think IAF hasn't planned for it by having A-400M - a 37 tonne behemoth in MTA competition - where the rest of them can haul at maximum 26 tons or less. Hamam mein sab nange hai.

[Manish_P]

Go straight for the big boy C-5 Galaxy... massage El Presidente ego. Name a mohalla, a road, a crook sorry creek after him...

[Rakesh]

Go straight for the big boy C-5 Galaxy... massage El Presidente ego. Name a mohalla, a road, a crook sorry creek after him...

C-5 ended production in 1989, however if the C-17 line re-opens, then yes to the above

[Manish_P]

C-5 ended production in 1989....

No 3-4 units lying about then, not even in the boneyards?

What is the US plan for their next heavy lifter (NGAL).. we are likely to import it in the 2040-2050s. Might be worth it to explore a tie-up.

Give the El Presidente something to brag about or at least do an equal-equal with the Moscow strongman...

[Jay]

Why do we even need something like a C5? We do not see ourselves fighting a war outside of our borders in the next 2-3 decades that necessitate this kind of lift capability. As far as I know, only US flies this plane as they are the only one's who has a strategic need for this kind of aircraft. For IAF, and India this will be white elephant.