Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer, has submitted its A-400M transport aircraft for consideration in response to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Request For Information (RFI) for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) capable of carrying 18 to 30 tonnes. The RFI, issued in December 2022, saw its submission deadline extended until March 31. The competition also includes two other contenders, the Lockheed Martin C-130 and Embraer C-390. The MTA aims to potentially replace the smaller AN-32s in service and could also serve as a replacement for the larger IL-76.

During a meeting with reporters, Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus, stated that the A-400M offers greater value than its competitors, carrying twice the payload over twice the range. Airbus believes that the A-400M's larger size sets it apart from the other contenders.

Venkat Katkuri, Head of Airbus Defence and Space in India, expressed that they have shared their intent with the IAF and are open to discussing a "Make in India" component for the potential deal, similar to the C-295 transport aircraft. The RFI stipulates that deliveries of the platform should begin within 36 months of signing the contract, with no specific number of MTAs mentioned. Vendors were requested to provide a "Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost of aircraft and associated equipment" for batches of 40, 60, and 80 aircraft, respectively.

Airbus is proposing the A-400M, capable of carrying a maximum payload of 37 tonnes, as a replacement for the older fleets of C-160, C-130, and IL-76 aircraft. With 178 orders from 10 countries, the order book extends to 2030. Airbus representatives emphasized the A-400M's capability as a "game-changer" for the IAF, able to carry heavy and outsized loads over long distances, and reach a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet.

The A-400M's unique ability to deliver mission-critical equipment directly to short and unpaved airstrips, inaccessible to IL-76 and C-17, was highlighted by Roberto Martinez, Airbus' A400M marketing manager, during a detailed presentation.

The C-130 has a maximum carrying capacity close to 20 tonnes, while the C-390 can carry up to 26 tonnes. While the C-295MW was initially considered as a potential replacement for the AN-32, its load carrying capacity in the 5-10 tonnes category does not meet the RFI requirements.

The IAF, with around 100 AN-32s, is seeking an aircraft with higher carrying capacity given the changed requirements and circumstances, especially as the Indian Army is exploring the procurement of a light tank with a maximum weight of 25 tonnes, making the MTA a potential consideration for its transportation.

A previous joint project with Russia to co-develop and produce an MTA of 20 tonnes to replace the AN-32s was abandoned after initial design discussions.

As the IAF's transport fleet includes the IL-76, IL-78 mi-air refueling tankers from Russia, 12 C-130J Super Hercules, and 11 C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift aircraft from the US, the MTA will play a crucial role in strengthening the force's transport capabilities.