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SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking replacements for its ageing fleet of Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-76 heavy transport aircraft. As these aircraft approach the end of their operational life, the IAF requires a modern, reliable, and efficient transporter capable of meeting its strategic airlift requirements. Among the contenders are the Airbus A400M Atlas, a turboprop-driven aircraft, while not on offer but the Kawasaki C-2, a twin-turbofan-engine cargo aircraft should be considered. While both aircraft offer significant capabilities, a closer comparison reveals distinct advantages and drawbacks for each.

The Airbus A400M is a modern, multi-role turboprop-driven transport aircraft that has been lauded for its versatility and advanced systems. It is capable of carrying up to 37 tons of payload, placing it in the same league as the Il-76 and Kawasaki C-2. The aircraft is designed to operate from short and unprepared airstrips, making it ideal for tactical and strategic airlift operations.

However, its reliance on turboprop engines has raised concerns. While turboprops offer excellent fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, they are inherently slower than their turbofan counterparts. The A400M’s cruising speed of approximately 780 km/h lags behind the Kawasaki C-2’s 917 km/h, a factor that could limit its utility in time-critical missions.

Moreover, the A400M comes with a hefty price tag. The per-unit cost is estimated at $150–200 million, depending on configuration, which might strain India’s defense budget given the scale of its modernization plans.

The Kawasaki C-2, developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, is a twin-turbofan-engine military transport aircraft that offers an impressive combination of speed, range, and payload capacity. With a maximum payload of 37.6 tons, it matches the A400M in terms of lift capabilities.

The C-2’s twin turbofan engines give it a significant advantage in terms of speed and operational range, with the ability to travel 6,500 km with a full load, compared to the A400M’s 4,500 km. This makes the C-2 better suited for long-range missions and rapid deployments, which are critical for India given its expansive geography and strategic requirements.

Additionally, the C-2 benefits from Japan’s reputation for precision engineering, offering reliability and ease of maintenance. The per-unit cost of the Kawasaki C-2 is estimated to be around $140 million, making it more affordable than the A400M while delivering comparable or superior performance.

India’s strategic airlift capabilities are vital for military logistics, disaster relief, and rapid troop deployment. The replacement aircraft must be versatile, reliable, and capable of operating efficiently across varied terrains and weather conditions.

The A400M’s ability to operate from unpaved runways could be an asset for tactical operations in remote regions. However, this feature comes at the cost of reduced speed and higher operational expenses.

The C-2, with its faster cruising speed and longer range, is better suited for strategic airlift missions, such as deployments to India’s island territories or supporting friendly nations in the Indian Ocean region. Its superior speed ensures quicker response times, a critical factor during emergencies.

While the Airbus A400M is a capable and versatile platform, the Kawasaki C-2 emerges as the more balanced choice for the IAF. Its turbofan engines provide the speed and range necessary for strategic missions, while its comparable payload capacity ensures that it meets operational requirements.