The Indian Air Force (IAF) will acquire ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster III tactical airlifters from the US under the foreign military sale (FMS) programme.

Boeing India president Dinesh Keskar said the strategic airlifter would enhance India’s leadership in the region.

“With its tactical and strategic capabilities, the C-17 fulfils India’s needs for military and humanitarian airlift,” he added.

The C-17s are planned to be delivered in 2013 and 2014.

A military transport aircraft, the multiservice C-17 can carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields.