India will receive ten C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Boeing as part of a foreign military sale from the US.
The possible sale, worth $5.8bn, includes 45 F117-PW-100 engines, ten AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispensing systems, ten AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems, associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
Indian Air Force (IAF) has selected the C-17 as its new very-heavy-lift transport aircraft to modernise its cargo capabilities.
With a payload of 164,900lb, the C-17 can take off from a 7,000ft airfield, fly up to 2,400nm and land on a airfield of 3,000ft.
It will replace the IAF’s aging fleet of AN-32 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, as well as enhance airlift capacity, reliability and safety for the air force.
Delivery will begin three years after the contract is signed.
