By IANS,
New Delhi : The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the possible sale of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic-lift aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in a deal worth $5.8 billion.
This will be India’s biggest defence deal with any country.
“This is an important step forward in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process and is a necessary prerequisite to negotiations on the deal,” a US embassy statement said Monday.
After hearing of the April 22 notification, US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer said: “The potential sale of C-17s strengthens the growing partnership between our two countries, and demonstrates our enduring commitment to sharing the world’s best technology with India.”
“This sale will offer economic benefits for both India and the United States and will likely include significant job creation in both countries. India is a leading partner in our efforts to promote regional stability, peace and economic growth,” Roemer added.
The C-17, which has a carrying capacity of 75 tonnes, is the workhorse of the US Air Force transport fleet and has proven highly reliable in the harsh environments of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The IAF will use the C-17s to modernize India’s armed forces with new cargo capabilities. The aircraft can take off from a 7,000-foot airfield, fly 2,400 nautical miles, and land on a small, austere airfield in 3,000 feet or less.
“Although the official notification to Congress lists the potential value as $5.8 billion, this represents the highest possible estimate for the sale, and includes all potential services offered. The actual cost will be based on Indian Air Force requirements and has yet to be negotiated,” the embassy statement said.
In addition to the C-17s, at the discretion of the IAF, the purchase may include some or all of the following: Training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, training equipment, spare and repair parts, test equipment, ground support equipment, technical assistance, engineering services for India, unique modifications specific to the IAF and logistical and technical support.
In addition to the US Air Force, the C-17 is currently in service with the Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Canadian Forces, NATO and Qatar, with C-17s on order for the UAE.