The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently evaluating offers from leading global aerospace firms for its next generation of transport aircraft. As India positions itself as the world’s third-largest economy, the modernization of its air transport fleet is seen as crucial to supporting its growing international stature and commitments.
The IAF’s transport fleet has long been a cornerstone of its operations, providing invaluable support in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts both domestically and internationally. These aircraft have also been vital in the logistical support of the Indian armed forces, particularly in sustaining operations in the challenging terrains of the Himalayas.
Historically, the fleet has relied on the Ilyushin Il-76MD and the Antonov An-32. The Il-76MD, first inducted in 1985, boasts a load capacity of 48 tons and remains in demand globally. The smaller An-32, with a payload capacity of 6.7 tons, joined the IAF a year earlier and continues to serve with 105 of the original 125 aircraft still operational after recent upgrades.
In recent years, the IAF has enhanced its logistical capabilities with the induction of 12 Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft and nearly a dozen Boeing C-17 Globemaster III planes, each with a payload capacity of 77.5 tons, significantly boosting the IAF’s strategic reach and payload capacity.
The ongoing quest to further modernize the fleet is focused on filling the payload capacity gap between the Il-76 and An-32. The contenders for this role include Embraer’s C-390, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, and the Airbus A400M Atlas, each capable of carrying 18 to 30 tons of cargo.
Additionally, the IAF is in the process of replacing its fleet of 56 HS-748 aircraft, with a maximum payload of 5 tons, with 56 Airbus C-295MW aircraft, capable of carrying 7 to 9 tons. This replacement is part of a broader strategy to modernize the transport capabilities over the next decade.
This fleet enhancement initiative is reflective of India’s broader defense strategy to ensure its forces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and capable of meeting both current and future logistical challenges. As the selection and induction of new aircraft is a time-consuming process, the IAF’s proactive steps in evaluating and inducting new aircraft are critical to maintaining the operational readiness and strategic capabilities of India’s air force in the years to come.