4 to 6 Long Range Business Jets are being procured by the Indian Air Force for VIP roles, with the official Request for Information (RFI) closing on 15 April 2026. The Ministry of Defence has invited Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and authorized vendors to submit detailed technical and commercial proposals under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 framework.
- Procurement Quantity — Batch of 4 or 6 aircraft
- Passenger Capacity — Minimum 19 passengers in VIP configuration
- Application Deadline — 15 April 2026
- End User — Indian Air Force
Procurement Authorized — Deadline Set for 15.04.2026
The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has officially initiated the RFI for the Long Range Business Jets (LRBJ) intended for Indian Air Force VIP operations. The acquisition process will strictly adhere to the provisions of DAP-2020.
What Are the Technical Specifications for IAF VIP Jets?
The technical specifications demand an aircraft capable of high-altitude operations and short field landings within the parameters of the Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA), maintaining performance at sea level mean temperatures of $ISA+20^C$. The jet must incorporate advanced electronic warfare suites, secure communications, and robust lifecycle support.
| Parameter | RFI Requirement | Operational Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Warfare | Integration of RWR, CMDS, MAWS, DIRCM | Anti-missile defense |
| Flight Deck Systems | CPDLC, ADSB, and IAF specific IFF crypto | Secure communications |
| Maintenance Support | O, I, and D level maintenance; PBL for 5 years | Guaranteed lifecycle support |
| Cabin Environment | Acoustic proofing; noise and vibration control | VIP passenger comfort |
Vendors must also provide detailed plans for pilot and maintenance crew training, including Full motion/mission simulator training up to Level D. The aircraft needs to comply with Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) and Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) standards.
Procurement Guidelines Under DAP-2020
The acquisition will follow a Single Stage-Two Bid System, requiring technical and commercial offers to be submitted concurrently in two separate sealed envelopes. Commercial offers must remain valid for at least 18 months from the last date of submission.
In standard Ministry of Defence acquisitions, equipment cleared by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) must undergo exhaustive field evaluations in India on a ‘No Cost No Commitment’ (NCNC) basis, a phase where foreign OEMs frequently face delays if their systems are not pre-calibrated to the Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA).
30% Offset Clause & Financial Bonds
The successful vendor must undertake offset contracts amounting to 30% of the value of the commercial proposal, as mandated by Appendix E to Chapter II of DAP-2020. Additionally, a Performance-cum-Warranty Bond equal to 5% of the contract value is required upon signing.
- Step 1: Submit technical and commercial bids valid for 18 months.
- Step 2: Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) verifies RFP compliance.
- Step 3: Field evaluation trials conducted on a No Cost No Commitment (NCNC) basis.
- Step 4: Staff evaluation by SHQ to analyze trial results and shortlist equipment.
- Step 5: Contract Negotiations Committee (CNC) determines the lowest cost bidder (L1).
Eligibility and Vendor Requirements
Responses are strictly invited from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), authorized Indian/Foreign vendors, or government-sponsored export agencies. Vendors are evaluated heavily on their capability to undertake indigenous manufacture, facilitate Transfer of Technology (ToT), and establish a local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem.
Who Can Participate
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
Authorized Indian or Foreign Vendors
Government sponsored export agencies
Firms capable of 30% offset execution
Who Will Be Rejected
Vendors failing to submit a signed Integrity Pact
Submissions with incomplete RFI response formats
Entities unable to provide the 5% Performance Bond
Firms unable to offer 5 years of PBL after warranty
Timeline and Action Plan for RFI Submission
Vendors must structure their responses into two parts: Part I addressing operational characteristics and technical parameters via Appendix A, and Part II detailing the vendor profile and exact product capabilities via Appendix B.
- Step 1: Complete the Vendor Information Proforma at Appendix B with full corporate and financial details.
- Step 2: Draft Para-wise responses to the 20-point technical questionnaire in Appendix A.
- Step 3: Calculate and provide the Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost breakdown for both 4-aircraft and 6-aircraft batches.
- Step 4: Detail the capability for indigenization, ToT, and local sourcing of military materials.
- Step 5: Dispatch the physical response to Air Cmde ASR, Directorate of Air Staff Requirements, New Delhi, before 15 April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the IAF Long Range Business Jet RFI?
The last date for acceptance of the filled Request for Information (RFI) form is 15 April 2026. Submissions must be sent to the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements.
How many business jets is the Indian Air Force procuring?
The Ministry of Defence is seeking Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs for a batch of either 4 or 6 Long Range Business Jets.
What is the passenger capacity required for the VIP jets?
The aircraft must have a passenger carrying capacity of a minimum of 19 passengers in a VIP role configuration.
Are vendors required to sign an Integrity Pact?
Yes. An Integrity Pact is a mandatory requirement for this procurement under DAP-2020 guidelines.
What is the offset requirement for the IAF business jet contract?
The selected vendor must undertake offset contracts amounting to 30% of the value of the commercial proposal.
What type of defense systems must be integrated into the jets?
The proposed aircraft must be integrated with ECM/ECCM measures including Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Counter Measure Dispensing Systems (CMDS), Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS), and Directed Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM).
हिंदी सारांश
भारतीय वायु सेना वीआईपी परिवहन के लिए 4 से 6 लंबी दूरी के बिजनेस जेट खरीद रही है। इसके लिए रक्षा मंत्रालय ने आधिकारिक आरएफ़आई जारी की है जिसकी अंतिम तिथि 15 अप्रैल 2026 है। विमान में उन्नत मिसाइल रक्षा प्रणाली होनी चाहिए और विक्रेता को अनुबंध के तहत तीस प्रतिशत ऑफसेट शर्त पूरी करनी होगी।
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