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New Delhi . Preparations to replace the aging fleet of cargo planes of the Indian Air Force have intensified. The Defense Ministry has issued a tender to purchase 60 Multirole Transport Aircraft at a cost of about Rs 1 lakh crore. Indian companies have been given a major role in this project. HAL, Tata and Mahindra are involved in this race.

Which foreign companies are in the fray along with which Indian companies?

Mahindra Defense has partnered with Brazil's Embraer and its C-390 transport aircraft will be offered. At the same time, Tata has joined hands with Lockheed Martin and will offer C-130 aircraft. The C-130 is already being used in the Indian Air Force for special operations.

How many aircraft will be made in India?

Under this program, about 20 percent of the aircraft will be delivered directly to the Indian Air Force in ready condition. The remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India. A target has been set to use more than 60 percent indigenous material. The aircraft will be manufactured through joint ventures between Indian companies and original aircraft manufacturers. HAL will also play a role in this project.

How many C-130J aircraft does the Air Force currently have?

The Indian Air Force currently has 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in its fleet. Apart from this, the Air Force is also working on the C-295 transport aircraft program with Airbus. About 70 C-295 aircraft are to be inducted into the Air Force, most of which will be manufactured in India.

Is this plan part of the modernization of the Air Force?

The procurement of multirole transport aircraft is part of the IAF's broader modernization programme. The Air Force has also issued a tender for the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft. Apart from this, consideration is also being given to inducting more than 100 trainer aircraft to replace the old Hawk trainer aircraft and increase pilot training capacity.

Will air refueling also be undertaken from these aircraft?

The use of multirole transport aircraft will not be limited only to the rapid movement of troops and equipment. The Indian Air Force can also use these aircraft as aerial refueling tankers. Apart from this, these will help in fast transportation of equipment and soldiers from one place to another.