Oversized Defense Air Cargo

THE CHALLENGE

A mission-critical, oversized air shipment

ICAT was engaged by a major defense prime contractor to move oversized military cargo in support of a broader $900 million US Air Force contract. The move carried direct implications for downstream program milestones, making successful and on-time delivery non-negotiable.

The cargo exceeded 100,000 pounds and needed to move from a military base in Europe to the United States. Strict routing, security, and communication protocols applied, and conventional commercial airlift options were not viable given the size, weight, and sensitivity of the freight.

THE SOLUTION

Strategic heavy-lift air transport with end-to-end control

Following a detailed scope assessment, ICAT determined that the shipment required a dedicated Antonov AN-124—one of the world’s largest heavy-lift cargo aircraft and a proven asset used for oversized military and aerospace equipment.

The cargo was collected at the European base and transported via specialized heavy-haul equipment under armed escort to the departure airport. ICAT coordinated aircraft loading, documentation, and pre-clearance to avoid delays at both ends of the move.

ICAT arranged all compliance requirements including dangerous goods and hazmat documentation, $50 million in all-risk cargo insurance coverage, and pre-cleared customs coordination at both origin and destination.

THE RESULTS

Controlled execution from origin through final delivery

Each phase of the multi-modal shipment was sequenced to maintain visibility and milestone reporting, minimize handling risk, and protect the delivery timeline.

The AN-124 completed the transatlantic flight on schedule. Upon arrival in the United States, ICAT personnel were onsite to oversee offloading and final delivery, maintaining continuity through the final mile. The on-time delivery resulted in uninterrupted program execution for the defense contractor.