Pakistan has operated the C-130 Hercules for over 55 years many of these airframes are very old and have alot of flying hours. It has proven itself as a workhorse and is in services with many countries of the world even today, further there are newer versions of this old design still being produced.
The IL-76 makes perfect sense as a replacement for the C-130 namely for the following reasons:
- The IL-76 is already in service the PAF in tanker form
- The IL-76 is a proven design and a workhorse, yet it is larger than the C-130
- The US is not a reliable arms supplier as evident historically and we must reduce our dependence and purchases from the US.
- The IL-76 purchase/replacement of the C-130 will help build on the much improving Russia-Pakistan relations
- The IL-76 is in service with many countries around the world and so obtaining spares will not be difficult.
- The IL-76 is a relatively cheaper transport aircraft given the number produced and available
- The exisiting C-130 aircraft in service are very old and in need of replacement.
We have a requirement of approximately 20 IL-76 to replace the 18 odd C-130 that we currently have in service.
To give you an indication the cost, The Russian airforce ordered 39 IL-76MD-90A for approximately $4.5 billion, so for 20 we can expect just over $2billion.
You can see the latest version that Russia is building and selling here:
