India has successfully launched its first-ever direct air cargo mission to Antarctica, using a Russian IL-76 aircraft operated by the Dronning Maud Land Air Network (DROMLAN). Departing from Goa’s Manohar International Airport on 2 October, the aircraft delivered 18 tons of scientific equipment, medicines, and essential supplies to India’s Bharati and Maitri research stations.
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) initiated the mission to overcome delays in sea shipments caused by global supply-chain disruptions. “Air cargo is costly and complex, but necessary due to increasing delays,” said NCPOR Director Thamban Meloth.
The IL-76 aircraft, capable of landing on Antarctica’s blue-ice runways, marks a major milestone in India’s polar research logistics.
