The transport fleet of the IAF is in for a complete transformation over the next decade or so. It is indeed fortuitous that the process of modernisation of the IAF transport fleet is not trapped in the labyrinthine Defence Procurement Procedure.

Driven by a resurgent economy, by the middle of the century, India is expected to emerge as a regional and economic power, a status that will confer upon it additional responsibilities. It is important therefore that India’s military power grows in tandem with its rising global status to be capable of power projection as also to be able to safeguard national economic and security interests that would extend from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Malacca. India may be called upon to intervene in the region to ensure peace, security and stability or respond with aid in the event of humanitarian crisis or natural calamity. These contingencies as also internal security compulsions will require the Indian Air Force (IAF) to have a respectable strategic airlift capability and the ability to provide swift response with large forces both within the country and in the region.

Overtaken by Obsolescence

While the combat fleet of the IAF is the spearhead of national aerospace power, the role of the transport fleet of the IAF is no less important.

The IAF transport fleet last underwent a major revamp in the years between 1983 and 1985 with the procurement from the then Soviet Union of 17 of the IL-76 strategic airlift aircraft and over 100 An-32 medium-tactical transport aircraft. Also, commencing from 1988, the IAF received 28 Dornier DO 228 light utility aircraft that are currently employed for basic training of transport pilots and communication duties. Of the fleet of HS-748 Avro medium transport aircraft inducted in the late 1960s, in the period under consideration, 56 remained in service employed primarily for communication tasks.

After nearly two-and-a-half decades since induction, the two fleets of Russian origin, i.e. the IL-76 and An-32, have been overtaken by obsolescence and for some time now, they have not been in any shape to cope with the responsibilities and challenges before the nation or for that matter to meet even the routine requirements. If the nation has to fulfil its obligations as a regional power, the transport fleet of the IAF ought to be equipped and trained to play a central role in the exercise of projection of power and safeguarding security interests in the region. In the pursuit of these strategic objectives, the IAF is currently embarked on another exercise in major upgradation of its airlift capability.

The C-130J Super Hercules

Under a $1.2-billion ( Rs. 6,600 crore) contract signed in 2008 through foreign military sales (FMS) programme of the US Government, the IAF has already received six of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft customised for special operations. Based at Air Force Station, Hindon, these four-engine military transport aircraft with a 20-tonne payload capacity, are equipped with special devices to undertake deployment of Special Forces in all-weather conditions by day or night even in complete darkness. However, the fleet can also be employed for other tasks such as airborne assault, air transported operations, air supply, air maintenance of forward locations and disaster management. The Super Hercules can operate from short, unprepared surfaces, is capable of receiving fuel in flight at low level and carries self-protection devices to cope with hostile air defence environment. Though categorised as a “tactical transport aircraft”, with its capability of large payload and high range, the Super Hercules nudges the strategic regime. As described by Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air Staff, IAF, “This most potent and versatile aircraft will help the IAF move towards maintaining aerospace dominance.” As per Defence Minister A.K. Antony, “This formidable aircraft would add muscle to the IAF and help in its modernisation. The government is fully committed to provide the latest and best equipment, and will not spare any effort to ensure that the IAF retains its qualitative edge”. The IAF is to acquire another six to make up to full-squadron strength.

Enter the Globemaster III

In one of the quickest deals to be finalised, early next year, the IAF will begin inducting a fleet of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft. It has taken just four years since initiation of the proposal in 2009, to finalise the $4.1-billion ( Rs. 22,550 crore) deal for the acquisition of these mammoth military transport aircraft. Executed through the FMS programme of the US Government, the tenth aircraft should arrive by December 2014. With nearly twice the payload capacity of the IL-76 and an unrefuelled range of 5,600 km, the fleet of ten C-17 aircraft will provide the IAF with humongous trans-continental airlift capability for swift and effective response in a crisis. This indeed will be a quantum jump in capability. The IAF is considering induction of another six of these mammoth airlifters, a decision that could be speeded up on account of pressure from Boeing. The company has indicated that in the absence of new orders, production of the C-17 could be discontinued. India must therefore decide quickly.

Revitalising the An-32 Fleet

Some of the 100 odd An-32 aircraft, in service with the IAF, are undergoing a mid-life upgrade programme at Ukraine’s Aviant Aircraft Building Plant in Kiev. The $400 million ( Rs. 2,200 crore) modernisation programme will include refurbishment of the airframe as well as systems modernisation including avionics from Elbit Systems, to extend service life of the fleet to 40 years. The upgrade includes increase in payload capacity from the current 6.7 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes and reduction in cockpit noise. On completion of the upgradation programme, the aircraft will have better flight management system, glass cockpit and other equipment to improve accuracy and lend the fleet a multi-role operational capability. The contract includes upgrade of the remaining aircraft at No 1 Base Repair Depot at Kanpur under transfer of technology (ToT) from the Ukranian company. The upgrade programme in Kiev is expected to be completed by March 2014 and that at 1 BRD by March 2017. The upgraded An-32 fleet is therefore expected to continue in service with the IAF till at least up to 2025.

Multi-role Transport Aircraft

Meanwhile, plans to replace the An-32 fleet are already afoot. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with the United Aircraft Corporation to develop a high wing, rear loading, twin-jet multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) in the 15-20 tonne class for the IAF to replace the An-32 fleet. With more than twice the payload capacity of the An-32, the IAF will initially order 45. HAL will carry out the design and development of the MTA at Bangalore while it’s Transport Aircraft Division at Kanpur will manufacture the prototypes and undertake serial production, for which dedicated facilities are being set up there. Maiden flight of the prototype is expected in 2017 and commencement of regular production in 2019. The IAF hopes to have a substantial number of MTA on its inventory and operational by 2025. Meant for tactical employment, the MTA will also be bordering the strategic airlift capability envelope and will add a new qualitative dimension to the transport fleet of the IAF.