India is considering signing the largest-ever defence deal with the US, worth $3.5bn, for the acquisition of ten C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The deal is currently in the final stage and is likely to be signed during US President Barack Obama’s planned visit to India in November, according to the Economic Times.

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The total contract will cover the price of C-17, each costing $300m, including spares and maintenance.

The IAF will use the C-17 to replace its aging Russian Ilyushin IL-76 fleet currently used as the primary transport aircraft.

The C-17 is mainly used for air dropping paratroopers and supplies, for emergency evacuation and for carrying heavy equipment like tanks.

The Globemaster can carry a payload of 77,500kg and has a range of 5,200km and can land on runways that are 3,500ft long and 90ft wide.

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