India Completes First Direct Air Cargo Mission to Antarctic Research Stations

In a landmark development for India’s polar research program, India has successfully conducted its first-ever direct air cargo mission to Antarctica. The operation was carried out on October 2, 2025, using a Russian-made IL-76 heavy transport aircraft operated under the Dronning Maud Land Air Network (DROMLAN) — an international consortium that coordinates flights to Antarctica.

The mission departed from Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa), marking the first time an Indian-origin cargo flight has been routed directly to support India’s Antarctic research bases — Bharati and Maitri. The aircraft transported around 18 tons of critical scientific equipment, medical supplies, and essential provisions required for the upcoming research season.

Faster and Independent Supply Chain

Until now, India relied primarily on sea-based logistics or indirect air routes coordinated by partner nations for delivering supplies to its Antarctic stations — a process that often took up to 40 days. The new direct air route, transiting through Cape Town, South Africa, significantly reduces delivery time and enhances operational flexibility for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), the nodal agency managing India’s polar expeditions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

According to Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director of NCPOR, this milestone represents a major step in improving India’s self-reliant polar logistics network. He noted that the air mission will ensure timely replenishment of resources, particularly for ongoing research in glaciology, oceanography, and climate dynamics. Post-pandemic challenges had earlier disrupted schedules and delayed scientific operations, underscoring the need for a more agile logistical framework.

Collaboration and Execution

The IL-76, known for its long-range and heavy-lift capabilities, was chartered exclusively for this operation. The mission was organized through a collaboration between GMR Aero Cargo and Logistics, Alpha Crux, Ultima Antarctic Logistics, and DROMLAN partners in South Africa. The aircraft’s design enables it to operate efficiently in sub-zero conditions and on ice runways, making it well-suited for Antarctic missions.

Officials noted that Goa’s Mopa Airport is now positioned as a strategic logistics hub for India’s Antarctic operations, offering a suitable base for future missions. The port’s proximity to key supply chains, along with established customs and cargo handling infrastructure, makes it an ideal launch point for polar-bound shipments.

Strengthening India’s Polar Capabilities

India currently maintains two operational research stations in Antarctica — Maitri, established in 1989, and Bharati, commissioned in 2012. A third station, Dakshin Gangotri, remains preserved as a heritage site. Research conducted at these facilities contributes to global scientific understanding of polar climate change, sea-level rise, and marine biodiversity.

The direct air cargo initiative aligns with India’s broader strategy to expand its scientific presence and logistical autonomy in the polar regions. NCPOR officials have indicated that similar missions could be planned annually, depending on cargo requirements, weather conditions, and budget allocations.

By establishing a dependable air corridor to Antarctica, India joins a small group of countries capable of independent air logistics operations to the continent. This achievement not only improves efficiency in research support but also underscores India’s evolving role in sustainable polar exploration and international scientific cooperation.