India's Direct Air Shipment to Antarctica
India has made a significant leap in its Antarctic research by hiring a Russian cargo plane for its first direct air shipment of scientific equipment. On October 2, the IL-76 plane left for Antarctica carrying 18 tons of gear, medicines, and essentials for Indian researchers stationed at Bharati and Maitri. This move marks a new era in India's scientific expeditions, which have traditionally relied on maritime transport.
Since 1981, India has been conducting research in Antarctica, sending teams and equipment by ship. However, the reliance on sea routes often resulted in long delays, especially in recent years due to geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) faced challenges in ensuring timely shipments, prompting the need for a faster air cargo solution.
As NCPOR director Thamban Meloth mentioned, delays in shipments affected research missions and could defeat their purpose. Thus, this air cargo initiative is a strategic response to ensure that researchers have what they need when they need it. The IL-76, a military-grade cargo aircraft, is specially designed for landing on icy runways, making it suitable for the challenging conditions of Antarctica.
India's first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983, followed by Maitri in 1989 and Bharati in 2012. These stations host various scientists, including meteorologists and glaciologists, who conduct year-round research. The decision to utilize air cargo was not taken lightly, as it requires meticulous planning and coordination, given that the aircraft originates from Russia and must be rerouted through India.
Meloth highlighted that air cargo is costly and complex but necessary due to the recent supply chain issues. The IL-76 is equipped with special low-pressure tires for landing on Antarctica's unique runways, which are operational only during the summer months. Flight operations to Antarctica differ greatly from regular flights, as they face unpredictable weather and limited air traffic control.
India's Arctic expeditions have also begun expanding, with plans for winter missions. However, Meloth clarified that air cargo is not needed for Arctic operations, as commercial flights can handle those shipments. Overall, this new air cargo initiative represents a significant advancement in India's commitment to scientific research in extreme environments.
