The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct the first of ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster-III heavy airlifters in June 2013, IAF air chief marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne said.
India Strategic has quoted the chief as saying: "C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are expected to be inducted between 2013 and 2015."
The C-17 is a large military transport aircraft designed to perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.
Boeing will deliver the first ten aircraft between 2013 and 2014 under the $4.1bn deal signed with IAF in June this year.
The air force is also expected to place an order for six additional aircraft before 2013 and to complete the induction of all 16 aircraft by 2015.