New Delhi. After the cyclonic storm Ditwah in Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy and Air Force are engaged in relief and rescue operations in their neighboring country on a war footing with Operation Sagar Bandhu. More than 120 people have died so far in this disaster. The powerful IL-76 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft of the Air Force are engaged in providing all possible help to the people. These aircraft with a total capacity of 70 tonnes i.e. 7000 kg have reached Sri Lanka. The Air Force has also geared up to bring back Indian citizens stranded in Sri Lanka safely to their homeland. According to sources, both the giant transport aircraft of IAF, IL-76 and C-130J Super Hercules, will bring back the Indians present in Sri Lanka. The work of evacuating Indians can begin from Sunday. Let us tell you in detail about these two elite Air Force aircraft of India.
C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
Indian Air Force included:
- India got its first fleet in 2011.
- India has more than 12 C-130J aircraft.
price
Approximately ₹900–1,100 crore per aircraft
features
· Ability to take off and land on short runways or unpaved/rough terrain.
· Excellent in special operations, commando drops and carrying equipment in high altitude areas.
· Precise landing at night and in bad weather — advanced avionics and sensors.
· Stealth approach capability, designed to fly at low altitude.
· Can carry up to 20 tonnes of goods, soldiers, vehicles and weapons.
Took part in which operations?
· 2013 Uttarakhand floods (Operation Rahat) – Large scale delivery of supplies and troops.
· Balakot Airstrike (2019) – Garud Commando Transport and Support Mission.
· Kabul Airlift (2021) – Experiment to evacuate Indians from Afghanistan.
· Deploying on LAC (2020–2021) – Transported equipment and troops to sensitive posts in Ladakh.
Regular use in many special forces operations.
IL-76MD
Join Indian Air Force
- Part of India since 1985.
- Approximately 14–17 IL-76 aircraft.
price
Around ₹1500–1800 crore per aircraft (including upgrades) at today’s prices.
features
· Heavy duty cargo carrier – Capable of carrying up to 40–50 tonnes of equipment and vehicles.
· Can carry tanks, cannons and even large radar systems.
· Long range flight, intercontinental capability.
The “work horse” of the Indian Air Force in disaster relief, airlift and military deployment.
Indian AWACS (A-50EI) systems are also made on its basis.
Participating in which operations?
· Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka, 1987) – Airlifted supplies of the Indian Army.
· Operation Cactus (Maldives, 1988) – used to send parachute troops to stop a coup.
Kargil War (1999) – Rapid deployment of heavy equipment, artillery and troops.
· Operation Rahat / Operation Madad / Disaster Mission – Delivered huge relief material in Nepal earthquake, tsunami etc.
· Ladakh LAC deployment (2020) – Transferred heavy military equipment like T-90/ BMP.
| Speciality | C-130J (Super Hercules) | IL-76 |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Special Operations + Medium Transport | heavy transport |
| load capacity | ~20 tons | ~50 tons |
| runway | Very short/unpaved runway too | need for bigger runway |
| year covered | 2011 | 1985 |
| Mission | Commando operations, high-altitude supply | heavy equipment airlift, combat logistics |
