India operates a diverse fleet of transport aircraft across its armed forces, primarily within the Indian Air Force (IAF). These aircraft play crucial roles in troop movement, cargo delivery, humanitarian missions, and strategic airlift operations. Below is an overview of the main transport aircraft currently in service:
Transport Aircrafts of India
Strategic and Tactical Airlifters
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
The IAF operates 11 C-17s, which are its primary strategic airlifters, capable of transporting large payloads over long distances and operating from short, unprepared runways. - Ilyushin Il-76MD
India has 17 Il-76 aircraft, procured from the Soviet Union, serving as heavy-lift strategic transporters. - Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
The IAF uses 12 C-130J-30s for tactical airlift missions, including special operations, disaster relief, and troop transport. - Antonov An-32
With over 100 units (An-32RE and An-32 variants), these Soviet-origin tactical airlifters form the backbone of medium-lift transport in the IAF. - Hawker Siddeley HS 748
Once a mainstay, around 56 of these British-designed tactical airlifters remain in service, primarily for logistics and personnel movement. - Dornier 228
India operates 61 Dornier 228s, which are light tactical airlifters used for short-haul transport, maritime patrol, and utility missions.
Modernization and Indigenous Efforts
- Airbus C-295
India began inducting the C-295W tactical airlifter in 2023 to replace its ageing Avro fleet. The aircraft, with a 5–10 tonne capacity, is being manufactured in partnership with Airbus and Tata, with the first Indian-made C-295 expected in 2026.
VIP and Special Transport
- Boeing 777-300ER
Two aircraft serve as Air India One for VVIP transport. - Embraer Legacy 600
Four units are used for VIP and government transport. - Airbus A321-200
Four aircraft are used for transport roles, including VIP duties.
Summary Table
| Aircraft | Origin | Role/Type | In Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing C-17 Globemaster III | United States | Strategic airlifter | 11 |
| Ilyushin Il-76MD | Soviet Union | Strategic airlifter | 17 |
| Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 | United States | Tactical airlifter | 12 |
| Antonov An-32 | Soviet Union | Tactical airlifter | 100+ |
| Hawker Siddeley HS 748 | United Kingdom | Tactical airlifter | 56 |
| Dornier 228 | Germany/India | Light airlifter | 61 |
| Airbus C-295W | Europe | Tactical airlifter | 12 (+44 on order) |
| Boeing 777-300ER | United States | VVIP transport | 2 |
| Embraer Legacy 600 | Brazil | VIP transport | 4 |
| Airbus A321-200 | Europe | Transport/VIP | 4 |
Key Developments
- The IAF’s transport fleet is undergoing modernization, with the induction of the C-295 and continued reliance on the C-17 and C-130J for heavy and tactical lift roles.
- The Dornier 228 and HS 748 continue to serve in light and medium-lift capacities, while the An-32 remains the workhorse for rugged operations.
- Indigenous production of the C-295 marks a significant step in India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities
Transport aircraft are vital for military logistics, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and rapid deployment of forces. They enable India to project power, support remote regions, and respond quickly to emergencies both within the country and abroad.
