Russia will become a participant in a huge tender for the supply of military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The Defense Acquisition Council has approved a project to acquire 60 aircraft with a total cost of approximately $12 billion, according to Air Data News.
The plan envisages a mixed supply scheme. The first 12 aircraft will be sent in fully finished form, and another 48 are planned to be assembled in India. The project is being implemented according to the "Buy and Make" model, which requires deep localization of production and technology transfer.
According to a source, the main candidates for the deal are Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Embraer, and PJSC "Ilyushin" with the Il-76MD-90A.
The Russian industry has long-standing ties with the Indian military aviation sector, supplying aircraft such as the Il-76 and Il-78. "Ilyushin" may become a partner of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited if it participates in the competition.
The key requirement is the ability to operate from short and partially prepared runways, as well as at high-altitude airfields. This is especially important for the northern regions of India and the Ladakh region, where air transport plays a critical role in supplying troops.
An expert from the industry Telegram channel SkyExpert noted that a large order could seriously affect the development of the Ulyanovsk "Aviastar", where the "seventy-sixes" are assembled.
Where there is money, there is production. Money pulled out our military aviation, money pulled out the "Superjet". But seriously, UZGA did not receive money, we do not have "Ladoga". And the Tu-204/214 sat without funding. If India gives money, then "Aviastar" will be able to speed up.
The head of the United Aircraft Corporation, Vadim Badeha, stated that the Il-76MD-90A is of great interest in the world, and there is a queue of customers for it.
