SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently evaluating offers for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) project, which aims to replace the ageing An-32 and Il-76 platforms. While the RFI has generated significant interest from various global aerospace manufacturers, a new factor has emerged that could significantly narrow down the contenders.
Both the IAF and the Indian Army have expressed a strong desire for the MTA to be capable of carrying the 25-ton Zorawar Light Tank to forward positions. This requirement has effectively eliminated Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules from the race.
As a result, the remaining contenders are Embraer’s C-390M and Airbus’ A400M. Both aircraft possess the necessary payload capacity to transport the Zorawar Light Tank. The C-390M can carry up to 26 tons of cargo, while the A400M can handle 37 tons.
The C-390M Millennium is equipped with a robust cargo ramp designed to transport heavy-tracked and wheeled vehicles weighing up to 26,000 kilograms. The Airbus A400M Atlas boasts a spacious cargo hold measuring 17.71 meters long (excluding ramp), 4.00 meters wide, and 3.85 meters high.
The IAF plans to procure between 40 and 60 units of the MTA, with a significant portion to be manufactured locally in India through technology transfer (ToT). The service is also considering developing additional variants of the aircraft to meet specific operational requirements.
The introduction of the Zorawar Light Tank carrying capability as a key criterion has added a new dimension to the MTA project. It underscores the IAF’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and ensuring its ability to support ground forces effectively in various operational scenarios.
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