New Delhi. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will shortly float tenders for 40 to 70 tonne class of transport aircraft as well as Heavy Lift helicopters to replace its Soviet vintage Mi 26 machines.

Air Chief Marshal F H Major told India Strategic in an interview that paperwork was just about final and that tenders for these aircraft and helicopters would be issued very shortly.

He described the 70 tonne aircraft as Very Heavy Transport Aircraft (VHTAC), pointing out that wide body and capability to land on short runways and grassy fields as also the thrust to takeoff fast from battle zones would be important criteria.

“We are in the process of formalizing our requirements for Heavy and Very heavy Lift transport Aircraft in the 40 to 70 tonne class. Over the next few years, I see a mix of upgraded Dorniers, AN-32s, C-130J Special Operations aircraft, IL-76 and aircraft of the Medium, Heavy and Very Lift class equipping our transport fleet.”

The Air Chief has indicated that while IAF has already placed orders for six C-130Js, it is likely to exercise its option for another six as per the terms.

Air Chief Marshal Major said that an inter-governmental agreement with Russia for the development and production of twin-engine Medium Transport Aircraft was being pursued.

At the same time, IAF’s fleet of 100-plus AN-32 aircraft was soon set to undergo a comprehensive upgrade.