IAF's Combined Tender for Medium and Heavy Transport Aircraft Could Create Critical Cargo Gap, Warns Ex-Navigator

A former Indian Air Force (IAF) navigator with experience on IL-76 transport aircraft has voiced concerns over the IAF's decision to combine the tenders for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and the replacement of the aging IL-76 heavy transport fleet. This approach, he argues, risks creating a significant gap in the IAF's cargo-carrying capabilities.

The IL-76 has been a cornerstone of the IAF's heavy lift capacity, capable of transporting large payloads over long distances. In contrast, the An-32 medium transport aircraft excels in operating from short airstrips and delivering troops and cargo to forward bases. The former navigator emphasizes that these are distinct roles requiring specialized aircraft, and merging the requirements into a single platform could compromise operational effectiveness.

"A new medium transport aircraft cannot replace the IL-76," he stated, highlighting that relying solely on a medium platform would place undue pressure on the limited C-17 fleet, which currently consists of only 11 aircraft. This could severely strain the IAF's ability to respond to surge requirements during crises or large-scale operations.

Without a dedicated heavy lift aircraft, the IAF risks a critical gap in its ability to support diverse operations, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to strategic airlift in combat scenarios. The lack of a suitable heavy lifter could hinder the IAF's ability to deploy troops, equipment, and supplies effectively.

The former navigator urges the IAF to issue a separate tender for a Heavy Transport Aircraft (HTA) program, enabling the acquisition of a modernized IL-76 variant or another heavy transport aircraft that can complement the capabilities of the MTA. This would ensure the IAF maintains a robust and versatile transport fleet capable of meeting its diverse operational needs.

This concern highlights the complexities involved in modernizing a large and diverse air force like the IAF. Balancing cost-effectiveness with operational requirements is a challenging task, and the decision to combine tenders may reflect budgetary constraints. However, the potential consequences of neglecting heavy lift capabilities could have significant implications for India's national security.

 

[Anant]

Not disagreeing with the officer here, but the problem here is that there are no viable alternatives for a heavy airlifter. The only viable-ish option is the Il-76-MD90A, and while that is a pretty decent aircraft, it is still an upgraded Il-76 airframe, the base design of which dates back to the 1960s. Alternatively, we just buy passenger jets and convert them, but that is a sub-optimal choice.

One thing worth considering here would be to perhaps purchase a number of A400Ms to replace the Il-76, and replace the An-32 fleet with a mix of C-295s and either the C-130J or the C-390.

 

[DrEaDlOcK]

This will another failure Program like MTA or KAVERI coz we're biting more than we can chew.
Basic RTA program & Saras mk2 program facing CCS approval & funding essues.
Our basic foundation is not yet done.
To undertaking this BIG Project would same as Kaveri project.

 

[R. Singh]

We must buy IL-76 latest version if Russia solve its fuel guzzling engine issues ! We need IL-76 to lift our light tanks to LAC & LOC !

 

[Sandeep]

This will another failure Program like MTA or KAVERI coz we're biting more than we can chew.
Basic RTA program & Saras mk2 program facing CCS approval & funding essues.
Our basic foundation is not yet done.
To undertaking this BIG Project would same as Kaveri project.

The RTA or the Saras MK2 haven’t faced any funding issues in developing them and they are still not complete yet.

 

[GMR]

Fully agree with the observation, but what replacement options IAF has?? I think only the new version of IL is available & that too not matured / proven..

 

[Sandeep]

First of all the air force aren’t planning to dilute our heavy lift aircraft with the medium transport aircraft tender at all. The medium transport planes that could be used can range from the C130, C390, IL276 with a payload capacity between 20000-30000kg.

The best option is that we upgrade the existing IL76 planes and overhaul the entire technology from avionics, engines and system software. But also we don’t have any replacement for it without costing a lot of money from the USA or France.

So unless we start a joint venture with another country it would be difficult as there’s no Indian private sector company that can develop it. Also we can’t start an indigenous program which isn’t possible at least until the next 10-15 years because we would need to invest a lot of money and HAL already has a lot of heavy work going on with all of our fighter jet programs and are delayed by years.

 

[Dredd]

India should acquire more C295 for low-mid cargo troop carrying capability which replaces both AN32 and hawkers. A400M or C-390 for medium cargo and for large cargo we already have C-17 which sadly is not enough and we don't have alternative for now.