In a world where rapid response and flexibility are essential for military operations, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has launched a new program aimed at revolutionizing how it transports cargo. This ambitious program aims to use rockets to deliver military equipment and supplies anywhere on Earth within an hour. It’s a part of the U.S. Space Force’s Vanguard program, which seeks to harness new technologies for strategic advantages.
With rapid, reusable rockets, this program could drastically shorten delivery times, deliver military supplies anywhere in the world in under an hour and lower costs in ways that conventional air or sea transport cannot. In 2020 US Transport Command started working with SpaceX and the program was officially launched in 2021 and in 2022 Department of the Air Force awarded $102 million to study and demonstrate the technology.
Conventional Military Cargo Transport: Time, Cost, and Limitations
Currently, military cargo is transported primarily by aircraft and ships. For air transport, the U.S. Air Force relies on heavy-lift aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III, which can carry up to 77 tons of cargo. A typical flight from California to Japan takes about 12 hours, with an operational cost of approximately $30,000 per hour, bringing the total cost to roughly $360,000 per flight(excluding the mid-air tanker cost).
While airlift offers the fastest conventional option, it is still time-consuming and expensive for large-scale operations. Sealift, handled by the U.S. Navy or commercial shipping, is much cheaper, but far slower—taking weeks or even months to deliver cargo across the globe. Both methods face logistical challenges, airlift requires access to secure runways, while sea routes can be vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and natural obstacles.
The Rocket Cargo Revolution: Speed and Cost Efficiency
The Rocket Cargo concept aims to address the limitations of conventional logistics by delivering supplies faster, with potentially lower costs. For instance, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, a reusable spacecraft, can launch at a cost of about $67 million per flight with a cargo capacity of 22,800 kg (50,265 pounds), though expensive, this is already a significant improvement over older rockets like the Space Shuttle, which cost around $1.5 billion per launch. And further, it is expected that the cost per launch would come down significantly.
For instance, Elon Musk said that SpaceX’s Starship could reduce costs to as low as $2-3 million per launch, which as of now costs around $ 100 million per launch. With its large cargo capacity and reusability, it could potentially reduce the cost of transporting cargo from California to Japan to just over $1,000, all while delivering the cargo in less than an hour. This is particularly critical for military operations, where restoring operational capabilities quickly during a crisis can be the difference between success and failure.
While SpaceX has got most of the attention with its Starship and Falcon 9 rockets, the U.S. Air Force is exploring other options as well. Contracts have been awarded to companies like Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, and Sierra Space, each of which is developing its reusable rockets that could be used for military logistics. These companies bring different strengths to the table, from Rocket Lab’s cost-efficient smaller launches to Blue Origin’s larger payload capabilities with its New Glenn rocket.
Is Rocket Cargo Necessary?
Despite the promise of Rocket Cargo, several challenges remain. One of the biggest hurdles is the cost of developing and deploying rockets for routine cargo transport. While reusable rockets have reduced costs, they are still more expensive than traditional air and sea transport for large-scale operations. Moreover, launching and landing rockets in diverse environments—especially in hostile or disaster-stricken areas—presents logistical and technical difficulties. Rockets also depend on favourable weather conditions and are subject to mechanical failures that could disrupt delivery schedules.
Another important question is whether this speed is always necessary. For most military operations, traditional airlift within 24-48 hours is acceptable. However, General Arnold Bunch, head of the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command, argues that “rapid logistics underpins our ability to project power.” In scenarios where speed is crucial, such as reinforcing troops or responding to a crisis, being able to deploy supplies within an hour could give the U.S. military a significant strategic advantage.
Does India need such a Programme or Capability?
India’s strategic environment differs from that of the U.S., there are strong arguments we can make, for and against the development of rocket-based cargo systems.
India’s military needs are quite different from those of global powers like the U.S., which maintains a military presence around the world and serves as a global policeman. Most of India’s immediate strategic concerns lie within or just beyond its borders—whether on the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, or within its maritime boundaries. These areas are easily accessible by air and sea, meaning that rapid cargo delivery via rocket may not offer substantial advantages in terms of time or cost.
Unlike the U.S., India is not involved in military interventions or conflicts far from its shores. The majority of India’s military operations and logistics requirements are regional, focusing on South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. In these contexts, conventional logistics methods are generally sufficient to meet the country’s needs. The Indian Air Force has an advanced airlift fleet, including aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III and IL-76, which can quickly respond to any critical logistical needs.
Still, India Should Still Explore Rocket Cargo Capabilities
While India’s immediate logistical needs may not require rocket-based cargo transport, the country’s growing global interests suggest that developing such capabilities could be beneficial in the future. India’s strategic interests are expanding beyond its regional borders, especially in the Indian Ocean Region and other parts of the world.
Our interests are no longer confined to South Asia. The country is building infrastructure in places like Agalega Island in Mauritius, where the Indian Navy is developing a base. As we establish or support military bases and logistical hubs in foreign territories, having the capability to quickly transport critical supplies or even personnel could prove essential for maintaining operational readiness in distant locations.
Rocket cargo technology could have significant civilian applications as well. The ability to deliver humanitarian aid, medical supplies, or disaster relief in record time could be transformative. As India takes on a larger role in international diplomacy and aid, such technology would enhance its ability to respond to global crises swiftly, enhancing our soft power and leadership.
Our domestic space industry is on the rise, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) leading space exploration efforts, and several private startups like Skyroot and Agnikul Aerospace making significant progress in space technology. Thus investments in such areas could Strengthen the Domestic Space Ecosystem.
Though ISRO is currently working on its Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to boost heavy-lift capabilities, yet reusability is still an area we need to work on. Achieving reliable reusable rocket technology, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 or Starship, would be a critical milestone. Reusability would significantly lower launch costs, making rocket cargo systems more feasible both financially and operationally. Apart from this India’s space budget is significantly smaller than that of the U.S. or China, and achieving progress in this area may be hindered by limited funding. Public-private partnerships between the government, ISRO, and private players like Skyroot and Agnikul could help accelerate development, but more clear roadmap is needed to ensure progress.
In conclusion if successful, Rocket Cargo could represent a major shift in military logistics. Its speed, flexibility, and potential cost-efficiency could make it possible to sustain military operations across the globe. Rockets can bypass traditional logistical hurdles, delivering supplies directly to contested or hard-to-reach areas without the need for runways or ports. This could prove invaluable in future conflicts or disaster response efforts, allowing the U.S. To counter the adversaries by delivering critical supplies faster than ever before.
