Russia proposes partnership with India for local production of Il-76MD-90A strategic airlifters.

On September 9, 2024, the Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW) reported that the Russian company, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), had proposed a partnership with India to locally manufacture the Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A strategic airlifter. This proposal aims to replace the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of 17 Il-76MD heavy transport aircraft, which were acquired in the early 1980s.
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The first production Il-76MD-90A aircraft began flying in October 2014, and the initial unit was delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense in April 2019. (Picture source: RussianPlanes.net/Alexey Reznichenko)

Introduced in 2012, the Il-76MD-90A is a variant of the Il-76MD, a Soviet-era heavy military transport aircraft that has been in service since 1971. The aircraft's payload capacity has been increased from 40 tons to 60 tons, and it offers enhancements in flight range and efficiency, along with a reduction in noise and emissions. Over 70% of the aircraft’s systems have been updated to improve flight safety.

United Aircraft has suggested that local production in India could be beneficial by utilizing existing infrastructure and trained personnel, potentially leading to cost reductions and a faster procurement process. The similarity between the Il-76MD-90A and the IAF’s current Il-76MD fleet might facilitate a more straightforward transition.

The Indian Air Force (IAF)’s current Il-76MD fleet is limited in its ability to operate on international civilian routes due to outdated navigation systems. The IAF is considering options to replace its aging AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft, which are integral to its transport capabilities, with a single platform. One consideration is the Airbus A400M, although its high cost and operating expenses may be problematic. Another potential solution is a multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) being developed through a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and UAC, which would feature a 19-ton payload capacity and could fulfill both military and civil aviation roles.

United Aircraft has suggested that local production in India of the Il-76MD-90A could be beneficial by using existing infrastructure and trained personnel, potentially leading to cost reductions and a faster procurement process. (Picture source: Aviastar-SP)

The IAF’s strategic airlift fleet also includes 11 C-17 Globemaster III and 10 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which are utilized for long-range airlifts, including operations such as evacuations from conflict zones and disaster responses. To further enhance transport capabilities, the IAF plans to introduce the C-295MW aircraft, to be produced in India with Airbus, aimed at improving the movement of troops and equipment to remote areas and enhancing internal security and emergency response. Additionally, India has approved the acquisition of 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to replace older Mi-26 helicopters, aimed at improving rapid transport capabilities across challenging terrains along its borders.

The Il-76MD-90A, also referred to as the Il-476, is an upgraded version of the Il-76 transport aircraft. It is intended for transporting troops, heavy equipment, and cargo, and is capable of performing parachute drops and landings. The aircraft is adaptable for carrying various types of military equipment, medical evacuations, and firefighting operations. Manufactured by the Ulyanovsk Aviation Plant "Aviastar-SP," part of UAC, the Il-76MD-90A includes several updates from its predecessor, such as a new wing design, Perm PS-90A-76 engines, reinforced landing gear with an enhanced braking system, and modernized electronic and navigation systems. It also features an onboard defense system to address various threats.

The Il-76MD-90A includes several updates from its predecessor, such as a new wing design, Perm PS-90A-76 engines, reinforced landing gear with an enhanced braking system, and modernized electronic and navigation systems. (Picture source: RussianPlanes.net/Alexander Shipilenko)

The first prototype of the Il-76MD-90A made its initial flight on September 22, 2012, followed by subsequent factory and state tests. Production aircraft began flying in October 2014, and the first unit was delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense in April 2019. By mid-2019, several units had been assembled and were in service with the Russian military, including the 235th Military Transport Aviation Regiment.

The Il-76MD-90A has a length of 46.6 meters, a height of 14.42 meters, and a wingspan of 50.5 meters. It is powered by four PS-90A-76 engines, each providing a maximum thrust of 16,000 kgf. The aircraft can cruise at speeds of 750–780 km/h, operate at altitudes up to 12,200 meters, and requires a takeoff run of 1,540 meters. It has a maximum payload capacity of 60 tons, with a cargo compartment length of 20 meters, width of 3.45 meters, and height of 3.4 meters. Its range with a 52-ton payload is 5,000 kilometers, while its ferry range is 9,700 kilometers.

The Il-76MD-90A is equipped with four PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, which were developed specifically to replace the outdated D-30KP turbojet engines that have been in service since 1974. (Picture source: RussianPlanes.net/Vyacheslav Grushnikov)