Indian Air Force is navigating a pivotal phase in its strategic airlift program, relying heavily on its legacy Ilyushin Il-76 fleet to fill a growing capability gap until new transport aircraft enter service. With the C-17 Globemaster III no longer in production and the Medium Transport Aircraft project still progressing, the Il-76 has become a crucial stopgap platform.
Since its induction in the late 1980s, the Il-76 has formed the backbone of India’s heavy airlift operations. However, fleet strength has declined to roughly 11–12 aircraft from the original 17, with several facing maintenance issues due to limited spare parts and engine support. At least two aircraft have remained grounded in Chandigarh since 2022, largely due to challenges associated with Soloviev D-30KP engines. The situation has been further complicated by supply chain disruptions following the Russia-Ukraine War.
To maintain operational readiness, the IAF has adopted measures such as component cannibalization, highlighting the increasing strain of sustaining aging platforms. At the same time, it has begun involving Indian private industry in maintenance work, including structural repairs and landing gear support—marking a shift from traditional dependence on foreign suppliers.
Despite these challenges, the Il-76 remains vital for long-range logistics, supporting troop movement, armored transport, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions. To ensure continuity, the IAF is implementing a modernization and life-extension strategy aimed at keeping at least 10 aircraft operational into the 2040s.
Proposed upgrades include replacing legacy engines with Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 engines, which offer improved efficiency, higher thrust, and compliance with modern aviation standards. Plans also include upgrading to a digital glass cockpit, featuring advanced avionics, improved navigation, and integrated flight management systems.
Additional enhancements may involve indigenous communication systems and network-enabled capabilities to support modern warfare requirements. Efforts are also underway to extend the aircraft’s structural lifespan beyond its current limit of around 2035, with studies exploring the possibility of keeping the fleet operational until as late as 2050.
