India May Be Invited to Co-Develop Russia’s Il-100 “Slon” as Il-76 Fleet Wanes

Russia is reportedly preparing to invite India to join its ambitious Il-100 “Slon” super-heavy transport aircraft programme. Designed as a modern successor to the Il-76 and An-124, the Il-100 could offer India a crucial solution as the Indian Air Force (IAF) grapples with the declining reliability of its four-decade-old Il-76 “Gajraj” fleet.

IAF’s Growing Strategic Airlift Challenge

The Il-76 has been the backbone of the IAF’s heavy-lift capability since the mid-1980s, but its serviceability rates have often dropped below 40 percent against the required 70 percent benchmark. Spare parts shortages, aging engines, and sanctions-related delays have worsened the fleet’s condition, leaving several aircraft grounded at any given time.

Meanwhile, India’s 11 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft have performed with near-perfect reliability, but Boeing’s production line for the C-17 closed in 2015, making additional acquisitions almost impossible. That leaves India searching for a long-term replacement for its 17 remaining Il-76s.

Il-100 “Slon”: Russia’s Modern Successor

The Il-100 Slon is being developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau as a new-generation strategic airlifter. With a projected payload of up to 100 tonnes, it would nearly double the capacity of the Il-76 and exceed that of the C-17.

Key features under design include:

• Payload: 90–100 tonnes (vs. 45–50 tonnes for Il-76).

• Range: More than 5,000 km unrefueled.

• Runway performance: Expected capability from shorter, semi-prepared strips, enabling operations in high-altitude Himalayan regions.

• Cargo flexibility: Able to carry main battle tanks, oversized equipment, troops, or humanitarian aid supplies.

The design blends characteristics of the C-17 (high-wing layout, rear loading ramp) with elements of the massive An-124 Ruslan.

Powered by the Advanced PD-35 Engine

At the heart of the Il-100 will be four PD-35 turbofan engines, being developed by Russia’s United Engine Corporation. Each is designed to deliver around 35 tonnes of thrust, making it one of the most powerful engines of its class.

The PD-35 uses technologies such as composite fan blades, 3D-printed components, and advanced cooling materials. While serial production is now expected around 2030, ground tests of its core modules have already been completed. The new engines promise higher fuel efficiency, longer range, and stronger payload capacity compared to earlier Russian designs.

India’s Strategic Dilemma

If New Delhi accepts Russia’s offer, it would gain access to a platform that not only replaces the Il-76 but also enhances airlift capability beyond the current C-17 fleet.

Advantages for India:

• Opportunity to co-develop and influence design.

• Potential for technology transfer and industrial participation.

• A solution to sustain strategic airlift capacity into the 2030s and beyond.

Challenges ahead:

• Long development timelines, with real induction unlikely before the next decade.

• Dependence on a single foreign supplier during an era of sanctions and supply-chain disruption.

• Financial costs of co-development and sustaining old fleets until the Il-100 becomes operational.

For India, the decision will hinge on whether to embrace a long-term partnership that carries inherent risks but promises unmatched heavy-lift capacity. With few alternatives available globally—given the closure of the C-17 line and no other new heavy airlifters under active production—the Il-100 “Slon” could represent a rare and significant opportunity.

If Russia formally extends the invitation, New Delhi will need to weigh the urgency of replacing the Il-76 fleet against the uncertainties of joining a programme that may take years to mature.