Indian Air Force launches fifth airlift to aid Nepal flood victims

Following a sudden flash flood in Nepal, the Indian Air Force initiated a rapid response, sending its fifth tranche of humanitarian aid within hours of the disaster. This mission adds to a series of recent IAF airlifts, such as those to Venezuela after an earthquake and to Turkey during the 2023 quake, underscoring its global reach. The force distinguishes strategic airlift—moving entire units and heavy cargo over long distances—from tactical airlift, which operates within a single theater.

Historical examples of the IAF's strategic capability include the 1947 Srinagar supply mission, the 1971 Tangail airdrop, and the post-2020 Ladakh reinforcement after the Galwan clash. The current fleet consists of about 11 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and a similar number of aging IL-76 planes, leading the service to explore a new medium-transport program and a future indigenous heavy-lift design. Nonetheless, the Nepal relief effort illustrates that the IAF can still project substantial airlift power despite a leaner inventory.