The Indian Air Force’s IL-76MD fleet has faced significant operational challenges, with two aircraft grounded since 2022 due to engine shortages and delays in Russian support, thereby reducing heavy-lift capacity. This situation has prompted the IAF to rely on fewer operational airframes, highlighting a broader issue of dependence on aging Russian aircraft amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. To mitigate this, the Air Force is augmenting its capabilities with new aircraft, including the C-295MW transport planes and C-17 Globemasters, reflecting a strategic shift towards diversifying its fleet and reducing reliance on outdated assets. The grounding of these aircraft impacts India’s strategic airlift power, crucial for rapid deployments along the Line of Actual Control and operations in the Indian Ocean Region.