# India floats ₹1 lakh-crore transport tender, eyes 114 Rafale jets

2026-08-12T17:08:51+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

The Defence Ministry on Wednesday issued a tender worth around ₹1 lakh crore for 60 multirole transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force, replacing its ageing cargo fleet. Tata and Lockheed Martin are offering the C-130J Super Hercules, while Mahindra and Embraer pitch the C-390 Millennium. About 20 aircraft will be imported, and 40 built in India with over 60% indigenous content. Separately, France has submitted a formal proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets valued at around ₹3.25 lakh crore. Under the plan, 94 Rafales will be manufactured in India and 20 supplied directly from France, the English Mathrubhumi reports.

## Coverage

- english.mathrubhumi.com <https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/why-india-wants-114-more-rafale-fighter-jets-fg3mmyux>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-ministry-floats-1-lakh-crore-tender-for-60-multirole-transport-aircraft-for-iaf/article71337610.ece>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/defence-ministry-floats-1-lakh-crore-tender-to-buy-medium-transport-aircraft-101786563120124.html>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources. Last updated 2026-09-27T06:10:56+00:00.

Tags: Dassault Aviation, Defence procurement, HAL, Indian Air Force, Make in India, Rafale
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