C-17 Globemaster for Indian Air Force

A squadron of Boeing's C-17 Globemaster III are to be implemented in the Indian Air Force from 2013. The military transport aircraft will be used for rapid strategic airlift of the Special Forces in the case of terrorism and other national emergencies. The C-17 is set to replace the Ilyushin II-76 as its largest aircraft transport.

The aircraft boasts the ability to takeoff and land in small airstrips, and re-fuel midair. The C-17 is operated predominantly by the US, but they are also used in the UK, Australia, Canada, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and NATO Heavy Airlift Wing.

A "major join" ceremony took place yesterday in Long Beach, California, where the first of the squadron was featured. IAF and Boeing officials attended the event.

C-17 Indian Air Force

India's consul general in San Francisco, N Parthasarathi, described it as "practically riveting for Indo-US relations".

He said: "This momentous occasion, where we see India's first C-17 take shape, further strengthens our growing relationship. As India strives to become a global reservoir of highly skilled and technologically sophisticated manpower, we will witness an escalating technology transfer, collaborative joint research and development, and co-production of defense items between our two countries."

The first 10 C-17's are to cost $4.1 billion. The Long Beach Plant is the last aircraft manufacturer in California. The 4000 employees are working on orders until the end of 2014.

Mayor Bob Foster said how important international sales are. "The amount of planes the air force requires, according to them, is now diminishing and is going to reach the end of the U.S. military construction for these aircrafts. So the international sales for India, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and others are crucial. ... This is the last commercial aircraft manufacturing (site) in California and we want to keep it here."

He continues: "And I think in the areas of Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim are great opportunities for us, and I think with those we'll be able to extend it for a couple more years."

India is also hoping to eventually acquire six squadrons of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The model is designed for medical evacuation and cargo transport.

Asian Defence News

United Arab Emirates Requests Sale of F117-PW-100 Engines for its C-17 Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress July 31 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for two F117-PW-100 engines for an estimated cost of $35 million.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a proposed sale of 2 spare F117-PW-100 engines in support of the UAE C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft. The estimated cost is $35 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve the UAE’s readiness and capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements. The UAE will use its C-17s to provide humanitarian aid in the Middle East and Africa region and to support its troops in coalition operations. The C-17 will provide a heavy airlift capability and complement day-to-day operations of the UAE’s existing C-130H fleet.


The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.


Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the UAE.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
  Asian Defence News

Boeing Completes Major Join of India's 1st C-17 Airlifter

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today in Long Beach integrated the forward, center and aft fuselages and the wing assembly of India's first C-17 Globemaster III during the airlifter's "major join" ceremony. Embassy, senior Indian Air Force and local elected officials drove ceremonial rivets into the aircraft as they celebrated the achievement of this key program milestone.

India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government on June 15, 2011, to acquire 10 C-17 airlifters, making India the largest C-17 customer outside the U.S. Those governments finalized the Foreign Military Sales contract for the airframe alone on June 6.

"The defense relationship between India and the United States is an important dimension of our strategic partnership," said Ambassador N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India, San Francisco. "This momentous occasion, where we see India's first C-17 take shape, further strengthens our growing relationship. As India strives to become a global reservoir of highly skilled and technologically sophisticated manpower, we will witness an escalating technology transfer, collaborative joint research and development, and co-production of defense items between our two countries."

"This is a proud day for the highly skilled Boeing workforce and our newest customer to celebrate a major production milestone," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing Airlift vice president and C-17 program manager. "We are preparing for India’s first C-17 to enter flight test on schedule early next year, and we look forward to providing for India's current and future needs and continuing to support C-17s long after they are delivered."

Boeing has delivered 245 C-17s worldwide, including 217 to the U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 28 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

Asian Defence News