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Defence
& Aerospace Logistics
Secure. Compliant. Mission-Ready.
Defence and aerospace supply chains demand far more than conventional transportation. They require rigorous planning, controlled handling, regulatory coordination, shipment security and dependable execution at every stage.
IRC provides specialised logistics solutions for defence establishments, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Tier suppliers and aerospace organisations. From sensitive components and hazardous materials to oversized systems and time-critical spares, we manage complex domestic and international movements with precision, discretion and operational control.
Our solutions combine more than 60 years of logistics experience with multimodal capability, a nationwide network and technology-enabled shipment visibility.
Supporting Critical Defence and Aerospace Programmes
IRC supports the movement of cargo across the defence and aerospace value chain, including:
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Arms, ammunition and approved explosive articles
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Propellants and other appropriately classified energetic materials
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Compressed, liquefied and specialised gases
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Fuels, solvents and other flammable liquids
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Aircraft engines, avionics and precision assemblies
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Radar, electronic and communication systems
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Ground-support equipment and specialised vehicles
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Heavy, oversized and over-dimensional equipment
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High-value machinery, tooling and production-line components
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Maintenance, repair and overhaul spares
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Import, export and re-export consignments
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Time-critical aircraft-on-ground and project cargo
Every solution is planned according to the cargo’s classification, dimensions, handling requirements, route, mode of transport, destination and applicable permissions.
Our Capabilities
International Freight
Import & Export Management
Customs Clearance
Domestic Transportation
Project Cargo & Heavy Lift
Manufacturing Support
Supply Chain Coordination
Warehousing & Distribution
Specialised Handling of Dangerous Goods: Classes 1, 2 and 3
IRC coordinates the transport of appropriately declared, classified and documented dangerous goods for defence and aerospace applications, subject to the licences, permissions, carrier acceptance and operating conditions applicable to each consignment.
Class 1 covers explosive substances and articles, divided into hazard divisions according to their behaviour and level of risk. Defence-related examples may include approved ammunition, explosive articles, detonating devices, propellants and other energetic materials.
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Verification of the declared UN number, proper shipping name, hazard division and compatibility group
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Coordination of prescribed licences, permits, passes and supporting documents
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Selection of appropriately approved vehicles, carriers, packaging and handling arrangements
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Route surveys, movement scheduling and authorised stopping plans
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Security coordination, escorts and communication protocols where required
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Compatibility checks and segregation planning
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Emergency-response information and escalation procedures
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Tamper-evident controls and shipment monitoring
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Coordination with relevant authorities and authorised stakeholders
Class 1 cargo is accepted only after detailed assessment of its classification, documentation, proposed route and regulatory requirements.-
Class 2 includes compressed, liquefied, dissolved and refrigerated gases. It is divided into Class 2.1 flammable gases, Class 2.2 non-flammable/non-toxic gases and Class 2.3 toxic gases. Defence and aerospace operations may require gases used in manufacturing, testing, maintenance, propulsion, life-support or specialised industrial processes.
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Handling appropriate to cylinders, pressure receptacles and approved containers
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Valve protection, load restraint and safe stowage
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Ventilation and segregation arrangements
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Temperature- and pressure-related precautions
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Verification of labels, markings and transport documents
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Selection of trained personnel and suitable carriers
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Emergency instructions appropriate to the gas being transported
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Multimodal planning based on carrier and regulatory acceptance
The specific precautions depend on the properties, quantity, pressure and classification of the gas.-
Class 3 covers flammable liquids such as certain fuels, solvents, coatings, cleaning agents and other petroleum- or chemical-based products used in defence and aerospace operations.
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Verification of the UN classification and packing group
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Selection of approved packages, intermediate bulk containers, tanks or vehicles
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Leak-prevention, containment and load-securing measures
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Ignition-control and fire-safety precautions
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Segregation from incompatible materials
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Correct labelling, placarding and documentation
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Route and mode assessment
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Spill-response planning and escalation procedures
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Monitoring through defined operational milestones
Important: All Class 1, 2 and 3 movements remain subject to the shipper’s correct declaration and classification, applicable laws and approvals, and IRC’s operational acceptance.-
End-to-End Multimodal Logistics
IRC integrates road, rail, air and sea transportation to build solutions around each programme’s operational and regulatory requirements.
We plan dedicated and controlled road movements using suitable vehicles and carriers. Depending on the cargo, services can include route surveys, vehicle inspection, driver verification, geofencing, electronic proof of delivery, designated checkpoints and escort coordination.
For urgent, high-value or specialised cargo, IRC coordinates scheduled air freight and charter solutions, subject to airport, airline, aircraft and dangerous-goods acceptance. Services include documentation, ground handling, secure transfer and coordination at origin and destination.
IRC manages containerised, breakbulk and project cargo by sea. Solutions can include carrier selection, specialised equipment, port handling, stowage planning and dangerous-goods documentation in accordance with applicable maritime requirements.
Where operationally appropriate, rail can be integrated with road or sea services to support heavy equipment, long-distance domestic movement and large-scale programme requirements.
Aerospace Logistics
Aerospace cargo frequently combines high value, dimensional complexity, strict handling limits and demanding delivery schedules. IRC provides tailored logistics for:
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Aircraft engines and propulsion components
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Avionics and electronic systems
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Airframes and structural assemblies
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Composite materials
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Precision tooling and test equipment
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Ground-support equipment
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Rotables, repairables and critical spares
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Production and assembly-line machinery
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Aircraft-on-ground requirements
Our teams coordinate suitable packaging, lifting, restraint, handling and delivery arrangements to minimise exposure to shock, vibration, moisture, contamination and unauthorised access.
Heavy-Lift and Project Cargo
Large defence systems and aerospace equipment require detailed engineering before movement begins. IRC’s project-logistics services include:
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Cargo and site assessment
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Route and infrastructure surveys
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Bridge, height, turning-radius and road-condition evaluation
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Equipment and vehicle selection
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Lifting, lashing and securing plans
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Coordination of statutory permissions
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Port and terminal handling
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Escort and traffic-management coordination
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Multimodal interface management
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Delivery sequencing and site coordination
A dedicated project team manages the movement from initial survey through final positioning.
Customs, Licensing and Trade Compliance Support
Defence and aerospace cargo may be subject to specialised controls in addition to ordinary customs requirements. IRC supports clients with logistics documentation and regulatory coordination for imports, exports and re-exports.
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Customs-clearance coordination
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Dangerous-goods transport documentation
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DGFT-related documentation and licensing support
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Coordination of applicable permissions involving PESO, DGCA, defence authorities and other competent bodies
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End-use and end-user documentation support
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Temporary import and re-export processes
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Bonded movements and warehousing
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Documentation review before dispatch
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Coordination with overseas agents and destination authorities
The exporter, importer, manufacturer or consignor retains responsibility for providing accurate product information, classification, authorisations and declarations. Where necessary, IRC works with the client and qualified specialists to establish a compliant logistics plan.
Visibility Through TEILS
IRC’s Technology-Enabled Integrated Logistics Solutions platform, TEILS, provides operational visibility across the supply chain. Depending on the agreed solution, clients can receive:
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Shipment status and milestone updates
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Vehicle or consignment location information
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Route and delivery monitoring
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Exception and delay alerts
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Electronic documentation
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Inventory visibility
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Performance reports
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Cost and operational analysis
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Carbon-emissions reporting
For sensitive programmes, access and reporting protocols can be configured according to agreed confidentiality and security requirements.
Security and Risk Management
Security is designed into the movement plan according to the cargo’s assessed risk. Controls may include:
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Verified personnel and approved service partners
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Restricted sharing of shipment information
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Pre-approved routes and stopping points
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Vehicle and equipment checks
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Tamper-evident seals
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Geofencing and exception alerts
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Escort or authority coordination where required
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Chain-of-custody records
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Incident-escalation procedures
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Proof of delivery to an authorised recipient
The precise security plan is determined by the cargo, route, customer instructions, statutory requirements and assessed threat level.
Why Choose IRC?
IRC combines long-established operational knowledge with modern systems and specialised project- management capability.
Our teams recognise the importance of confidentiality, documentation discipline, secure handling and programme-critical delivery.
We coordinate approved Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 movements using appropriately qualified personnel, carriers and operating procedures, subject to regulatory and operational acceptance.
Road, rail, air and sea solutions are managed through a single logistics framework, reducing handover gaps and improving accountability.
IRC’s presence across India, supported by offices and international partners, enables domestic execution and cross-border coordination.
TEILS gives stakeholders timely shipment, inventory and performance information for better operational decision-making.
A dedicated team coordinates transport, documentation, customs, warehousing, project logistics and delivery—providing clear ownership throughout the movement.
Our Operating Approach
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Requirement assessment — review cargo, classification, dimensions, origin, destination, timing, handling needs and security considerations.
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Compliance and risk review — identify permissions, documents, carrier acceptance conditions and operational risks before execution.
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Solution design — develop the route, mode, equipment, handling, security and contingency plan.
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Controlled execution — use approved partners and trained teams under defined operating procedures.
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Monitoring and communication — track shipment milestones, exceptions and delivery status through agreed channels.
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Delivery and closure — complete delivery to the authorised recipient with documentation, proof of delivery and performance reporting as applicable.
Specialist Programme Support
Defence programmes require precision, compliance and operational reliability.
IRC supports:
Controlled & regulated cargo
Dangerous goods logistics
Class 1 cargo solutions
Supplier coordination
Documentation management
Charter solutions where required
Global Reach. Local Execution.
With operations in India, Japan and the United Kingdom, supported by a global partner network, IRC helps organisations connect with key manufacturing and technology markets worldwide.
Sustainability & Technology
Future-ready supply chains require visibility, compliance and continuous improvement.
IRC supports customers through:
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ESG-aligned logistics
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Scope 1, 2 & 3 awareness
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CBAM readiness
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Technology Enabled Integrated Logistics Solutions (TEILS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about IRC’s proposed defence and aerospace logistics capability.
IRC can evaluate appropriately classified and documented Class 1 consignments for transport. Acceptance is subject to the cargo particulars, required licences and permissions, route, carrier capability and applicable regulations.
Yes. IRC can coordinate approved movements of Class 2 gases and Class 3 flammable liquids, subject to classification, quantity, packaging, documentation, carrier acceptance and applicable legal requirements.
Yes. IRC coordinates international air, sea and multimodal movements, including customs and documentation support. All shipments remain subject to applicable export controls, import permissions and carrier or competent-authority approvals.
Tracking and milestone visibility can be provided through TEILS and other agreed controls. The level and method of visibility are configured according to the cargo, route, security plan and customer requirements.
Yes. IRC plans heavy-lift and over-dimensional movements using route surveys, specialised equipment, lifting and securing plans, permits and site coordination.
Storage can be arranged only for cargo categories covered by the relevant facility’s licences, safety systems and operating approvals. Each requirement is assessed individually.
Sustainability & Technology
Future-ready supply chains require visibility, compliance and continuous improvement.
IRC supports customers through:
ESG-aligned logistics
Scope 1, 2 & 3 awareness
CBAM readiness
Technology Enabled Integrated Logistics Solutions (TEILS)
Industry Engagement
Actively engaged with the global defence and aerospace community through participation in:
SIDM
DSEI UK
Eurosatory
Paris Air Show
Aero India
The IRC Advantage
60+ Years of Experience
Pan-India Operations
Japan & UK Presence
Project Cargo Expertise
Controlled Cargo Solutions
Sustainable Supply Chains
Technology-Enabled Visibility
Global Partner Network
Plan Your Next Mission-Critical Movement
Whether you need to move hazardous materials, aerospace components, oversized systems or time-critical spares, IRC can design a secure and carefully controlled logistics solution around your operational requirements.
Email: ircl@ircgroupglobal.com
Telephone: +91 11 4154 8000 / +91 73030 60988
All services are subject to cargo assessment, correct declaration and classification, applicable licences and permissions, route and carrier acceptance, security requirements and prevailing laws in the relevant jurisdictions.