Image source: topwar.ru
The Indian Air Force has refused to purchase the Russian IL-76MD-90A military transport aircraft as part of the replacement of the Il-76 fleet of earlier versions, which are due to be decommissioned by 2035.
- the IDRW publication says, citing sources.
In this regard, despite Russia's proposal for the IL-76MD-90A, the Air Force Command is currently considering alternative options, including the Airbus A400M Atlas, to meet its needs for medium-sized transport aircraft and strategic airlift.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates 17 IL-76 aircraft, which were purchased from the USSR in the early 1980s.
- it is noted in the edition.
Image source: topwar.ru
However, according to the author, after more than 40 years of service, the fleet is experiencing maintenance difficulties, a shortage of spare parts, exacerbated by Western sanctions against Russia, and a decrease in the level of readiness to only 40-50%.
- indicated in the publication.
This upgraded version, introduced in 2012, boasts modern PS-90A-76 engines (with a thrust of 14.5 tons each), a glass cabin with digital avionics and a slightly larger payload of 52 tons.
According to IDRW, Moscow offered to purchase 12-16 aircraft for $3-4 billion, with a possible transfer of technology to the HAL concern for partial assembly, "mirroring the model of cooperation on the Su-30 MKI.":
As indicated, despite the resumption of production, the aircraft has a low level of constant availability, which is less than 65% in the Russian Air Force units due to bottlenecks in the supply chain and engine maintenance problems.
Image source: topwar.ru
IL-76MD-90A
According to the author, the Russian audit of 2023 showed that only 30 of the 60 Il-76MD-90A units were ready for immediate tasks, which "is a red flag for the Indian Air Force, which requires 75% readiness."
As the representative of the Indian Air Force explained, the IL-76MD-90A, although it underwent an improvement procedure, inherited the same system problems as its predecessor. At the same time, sanctions against Russia have paralyzed the supply of spare parts, and even the operation of aircraft that have just rolled off the assembly line cannot guarantee their uninterrupted operation, which is necessary for rapid deployment.
Currently, the Indian Air Force's transport fleet includes, among others, 11 Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules units (with a payload capacity of 20 tons) and 56 Airbus C-295MW aircraft (9 tons, locally assembled).
- the publication says.
