Top 7 Largest Military Transport Aircraft in the World (2025 Edition)
In modern military operations, logistics is everything. The ability to move troops, armored vehicles, supplies, and humanitarian aid quickly and efficiently across continents defines the strategic reach of a nation's armed forces. At the heart of this capability are military transport aircraft — flying giants capable of carrying entire armored brigades or helicopters in their cavernous cargo bays. In 2025, several nations operate massive transport planes that are not only engineering marvels but also key enablers of global military projection.
Military transport aircraft play a crucial role in global defense strategies, offering unmatched capabilities in cargo delivery, troop movement, and emergency support. These massive flying giants are engineered for heavy-duty missions, capable of operating in extreme environments while transporting everything from tanks to humanitarian aid. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the 7 largest military transport aircraft of 2025, focusing on their size, capacity, and strategic value.
The Top 7 Largest Military Transport Aircraft in 2025
1. Antonov An-124 Ruslan – The Heavyweight Champion
- Country of Origin: Ukraine
- Max Payload: 150,000 kg (330,693 lbs)
- Wingspan: 73.3 m (240.5 ft)
- Range: 4,800 km (2,982 mi) with max payload
The Antonov An-124, often dubbed the titan of the skies, remains one of the largest and most capable military cargo aircraft ever built. Designed during the Soviet era, it was primarily developed for transporting heavy equipment and oversized military hardware. With its high-mounted wings, four massive turbofan engines, and dual cargo doors (nose and rear), the An-124 excels in rapid loading and offloading of heavy cargo, including tanks and helicopters.
Despite its age, the An-124 continues to serve military and humanitarian missions worldwide due to its reliability and unmatched lift capacity.
2. Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy – America’s Airlift Powerhouse
- Country of Origin: United States
- Max Payload: 127,000 kg (280,000 lbs)
- Wingspan: 67.9 m (222.8 ft)
- Range: 4,400 km (2,734 mi) with max payload
The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory and a pillar of global strategic airlift operations. An upgraded version of the C-5 Galaxy, the C-5M features modern avionics, more powerful engines, and enhanced reliability.
Capable of transporting outsized military cargo such as armored vehicles, helicopters, and even satellite payloads, the C-5M is indispensable in both peacetime logistics and combat scenarios. Its nose-loading capability allows fast access to the cargo bay, supporting rapid deployments anywhere in the world.
3. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III – The Tactical Workhorse
- Country of Origin: United States
- Max Payload: 77,519 kg (170,900 lbs)
- Wingspan: 51.75 m (169.8 ft)
- Range: 4,482 km (2,785 mi) with max payload
The C-17 Globemaster III strikes a balance between strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. Designed for rapid deployment of troops and cargo to forward operating bases, the C-17 operates from austere airfields with short runways.
Its ability to perform both intercontinental flights and short-range tactical missions makes it one of the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. and allied fleets. With in-flight refueling and advanced cargo-handling systems, the C-17 is a favorite for military operations, disaster relief missions, and humanitarian efforts across the globe.
4. Airbus A400M Atlas – Europe’s Military Transport Solution
- Country of Origin: Europe (Airbus consortium)
- Max Payload: 37,000 kg (81,571 lbs)
- Wingspan: 42.4 m (139.1 ft)
- Range: 3,300 km (2,050 mi) with max payload
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a modern, multi-role military airlifter developed to meet the needs of NATO countries. Bridging the gap between tactical aircraft like the C-130 and larger airlifters such as the C-17, the A400M delivers flexibility and advanced performance.
Equipped with four turboprop engines, it can perform missions from unprepared runways and is capable of aerial refueling, parachute drops, and medevac operations. It is a key component in Europe’s military transport fleet, with growing adoption worldwide.
5. Xian Y-20 Kunpeng – China’s Strategic Airlift Breakthrough
- Country of Origin: China
- Max Payload: 66,000 kg (145,505 lbs)
- Wingspan: 50 m (164 ft)
- Range: 4,500 km (2,796 mi) with max payload
China’s Xian Y-20 Kunpeng marks a significant leap in the country’s long-range airlift capabilities. As the largest military transport aircraft ever developed by China, the Y-20 reflects the nation’s push for global military reach.
Capable of transporting main battle tanks, troops, and heavy equipment across continents, the Y-20 has joined the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in significant numbers. Its modern design and indigenous engine development programs indicate China’s growing ambition in strategic mobility and power projection.
6. Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A – Russia’s Trusted Workhorse
- Country of Origin: Russia
- Max Payload: 52,000 kg (114,640 lbs)
- Wingspan: 50.5 m (165.7 ft)
- Range: 5,000 km (3,107 mi) with max payload
An upgraded version of the Soviet-era Il-76, the Il-76MD-90A brings improved avionics, stronger engines, and enhanced fuel efficiency to the battlefield. Widely used by Russian and allied forces, it’s capable of flying heavy cargo to remote areas under challenging conditions.
Whether moving military units, delivering humanitarian aid, or supporting airborne troop drops, the Il-76MD-90A remains a reliable and rugged component of Russia’s aerial logistics strategy.
7. Embraer KC-390 Millennium – Brazil’s Next-Gen Tactical Transport
- Country of Origin: Brazil
- Max Payload: 26,000 kg (57,320 lbs)
- Wingspan: 35.05 m (115 ft)
- Range: 2,815 km (1,749 mi) with max payload
The Embraer KC-390 Millennium is Brazil’s entry into the modern tactical airlift arena. Designed to replace older turboprop aircraft like the C-130, the KC-390 brings jet-speed transport and modern avionics to the table.
It supports missions such as cargo transport, troop movement, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling. With a rear ramp and fly-by-wire controls, the KC-390 is already gaining traction among NATO and Latin American allies looking for an agile, medium-lift solution.
The Future of Military Transport Aircraft
Looking ahead, the landscape of military transport aviation is poised for innovation. Emerging technologies such as stealthy transport designs, unmanned cargo drones, and hybrid-electric propulsion systems are reshaping how we think about strategic airlift. Programs like Russia’s Il-106 or China’s rumored Y-30 could push capacity even further. The U.S. is also exploring next-generation heavy lift platforms to eventually succeed the C-17 and C-5M. In addition, AI-assisted logistics and predictive maintenance could revolutionize fleet readiness and deployment speed.
Conclusion
In 2025, military transport aircraft remain essential to power projection and rapid response. In an era where speed, scale, and logistics define military dominance, large military transport aircraft have become critical force multipliers. From delivering disaster relief supplies to deploying armored divisions across continents, these airborne giants serve as lifelines for modern defense operations.
Whether it’s the behemoth An-124 or the agile KC-390, each aircraft on this list contributes uniquely to the global military landscape in 2025. As technology advances, we can expect even more efficient, powerful, and versatile transport aircraft to emerge, reinforcing the importance of air mobility in modern warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the largest military transport aircraft in the world?
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is currently the largest military transport aircraft in the world based on payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 150,000 kg.
2. What is the difference between strategic and tactical airlift?
Strategic airlift refers to long-range transportation of heavy cargo between theaters of operation, while tactical airlift involves short-range missions to deliver supplies directly to the frontlines or remote locations.
3. Can the Boeing C-17 land on unprepared airfields?
Yes, the C-17 Globemaster III is designed to operate on austere runways and unprepared airfields, making it ideal for tactical missions.
4. Is the Airbus A400M used by NATO forces?
Yes, the Airbus A400M is widely used by NATO member countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and the UK for both tactical and strategic airlift operations.
5. How does the Xian Y-20 compare to Western transport aircraft?
The Xian Y-20 offers similar capabilities to the U.S. C-17 in terms of payload and range, marking a significant advancement in China’s military airlift capacity.
6. Are military transport aircraft used for humanitarian missions?
Absolutely. Military transport planes are often deployed for disaster relief, medical evacuation, and delivering humanitarian aid during emergencies worldwide.
7. Which countries operate the Embraer KC-390?
As of 2025, the KC-390 is operated by Brazil and has been acquired or ordered by countries like Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
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