Missiles from cargo planes: The new strike idea that could interest India

The United States has developed Rapid Dragon, a palletised system to launch cruise missiles from transport aircraft like C-130 and C-17 without permanent modifications.

India could benefit from such a system as its air-launched BrahMos cruise missiles are limited to modified Su-30MKI fighters, and the SCALP missiles are carried only by 36 Rafale fighters.

Operation Sindoor in May 2025 demonstrated India's need for strike capabilities, targeting Pakistani airbases like Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, and others to disrupt surveillance and air defence.

Concentrated missile salvos can overwhelm air defences and create operational gaps, but current fighter numbers restrict the volume of simultaneous launches.

Cargo planes converted to missile carriers could rapidly increase the number of launch platforms, enhancing India's ability to deliver rapid, overwhelming strikes.