India is considering the Japanese Kawasaki C-2 as one of the possible candidates to update its military transport aviation and replace part of its Il-76 fleet. The new aircraft is not a direct analogue of the Russian heavy transport aircraft, but it offers modern systems, high speed, and capabilities that may interest the Indian Air Force amidst the need to update its aging fleet. This is reported by IDRW.
The Russian Il-76 has remained one of the world's most famous military transport aircraft for decades. India has operated these machines since the 1980s, but the age of part of the fleet necessitates exploring options for further development of transport aviation.
At the same time, Russia continues to produce the modernized Il-76MD-90A version at the Ulyanovsk Aviastar enterprise, but the pace of production of new machines remains limited compared to the scale required for a rapid update of large transport fleets. The new Il-76MD-90A received modern PS-90A-76 engines, updated avionics, and an increased payload capacity of up to 60 tons.
Two Aircraft of Different Generations
The Kawasaki C-2 was developed by Japan as a new generation aircraft to replace the outdated C-1. The machine received two General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan engines and modern digital avionics. The aircraft entered service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in 2017.
The main difference of the C-2 is its combination of speed and efficiency. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 36 tons of cargo, reaching speeds of about Mach 0.82, and flying up to 4500 km with maximum load. With a lighter load, the range increases to 7600 km.
The Il-76MD-90A remains a heavier platform. The Russian aircraft is capable of carrying up to 60 tons, has four engines, and is designed for transporting large equipment, airborne units, and heavy cargo over long distances.
In terms of payload capacity, the Russian machine significantly surpasses the Japanese one, but the C-2 wins in another aspect – it was created later and uses technologies characteristic of modern passenger liners: digital control systems, a more automated cockpit, and economical twin-engine power plants.
Where the Kawasaki C-2 is Stronger Than the Il-76
The Japanese C-2 aircraft cannot be considered a direct replacement for the Il-76. These machines belong to different classes of military transport aviation. The C-2 occupies an intermediate position between medium and heavy aircraft. It features high speed, modern avionics, a reduced crew, and the use of civil aviation technologies.
At the same time, the Russian transport aircraft retains an advantage in tasks requiring maximum payload capacity and transportation of large equipment. The Il-76 is capable of carrying heavier and bulkier cargo that is inaccessible to the Japanese machine, so it is not about a complete replacement, but about the competition of two different concepts: a heavy transport aircraft with a large reserve of capabilities and a more modern aircraft for flexible transportation.
Why India is Looking at Several Options at Once
The Indian Air Force is essentially choosing not only an aircraft but also a model for the development of its transport fleet for decades to come. Among the possible solutions, different classes of aircraft are being considered – from the Kawasaki C-2 to the Airbus A400M and other modern transport aircraft.
The main question is whether India needs a direct successor to the Il-76 with maximum payload capacity or a more versatile new-generation aircraft for daily transport.
India received 17 heavy military transport aircraft Il-76MD between 1985 and 1988. Over the years of operation, some machines have been decommissioned, and according to specialized publications, about 11–12 aircraft remain in service today.