C-130J 50% more cheaper than Airbus A-400M; Embraer KC-390 also can be a good option for IAF's MTA : Defence Analysts

Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)

An US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

At a time when the Indian Air Force has launched a search for 40 to 80 new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) with local production that must have a payload capability ranging between 18 to 30 tons, a Defense Analyst has said that the Indian Air Force operates 11 C-130J super Hercules that has a payload capacity of 21 tons and the C-130j procurement makes more sense rather than investing in a new transporter as it will help India logistically but it is not sure if Lockheed will agree to set up a full production line for 40 to 80 aircraft.

Airbus A-400M Medium Transport Aircraft

The Airbus A-400m can carry 37 tons and is a viable candidate in the race but it has a hyper-unit cost of $165 million dollars and has track record of several technical snags during its operational life with several European Air Forces while the C-130j has a unit cost of $75 million dollars and has a greater flexibility in operations performed throughout the world and in India itself.

Brazilian company Embraer made KC-390 Millennium Medium Transport Aircraft

While the Brazilian Embraer KC-390 Milennium has a per unit cost of $85 million dollars that has a payload capacity of 26 tons, and is a very suitable one for the Indian Air Force, another viable candidate for this race, but there are some reservations regarding the manufacturing capabilities of the parent company Embraer regarding setting up of a manufacturing unit in India and complete technology transfer.