The Cabinet Committee on Security presided by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has cleared the proposal to buy Boeing Company’s 10 C-17 Globemaster-III giant strategic airlift aircraft, the biggest ever Indo-US defence deal at $4.1 billion ( Rs. 18,450 crore). As per the contract, 10 Globemasters are to be delivered to the Indian Air Force between 2013 and 2015.

The Globemaster-III can carry a maximum payload of 77.5 tonnes, which can include combat vehicles, artillery guns and battle-ready troops and has a range of 9,200 km. “They can carry twice the load of our present IL-76 ‘Gajraj’ aircraft. Importantly, they can also operate from short airstrips,” the Air Chief Marshal, P.V. Naik has been quoted in the media.

The foreign military sale (FMS), approved by the U.S. Congress in May 2010 – establishes India as the C-17’s largest international customer. According to the agreement, India will take delivery of its C-17s in 2013 and 2014.

“The C-17 will elevate India’s leadership in the region,” said Dinesh Keskar, President, Boeing India. “With its tactical and strategic capabilities, the C-17 fulfills India’s needs for military and humanitarian airlift. The important transaction reaffirms our close relationship of several decades with India and also highlights our commitment to the strategic partnership between the two countries.”

“This agreement is a reflection of the outstanding partnership India’s Ministry of Defence has with the U.S. Air Force, which worked very hard to help India strengthen its airlift capabilities with the C-17,” said Jean Chamberlin, Vice President and General Manager, Boeing Mobility. “The aircraft’s ability to transport large payloads across vast ranges, land on short, austere runways, and operate in extremely hot and cold climates makes it ideal for the region.”

Boeing will support India’s C-17 fleet through the C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership, a proven multinational performance-based logistics programme. The GSP “virtual fleet” arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers -- with varied fleet sizes -- access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.

“Boeing is pleased that the IAF has selected the C-17 to support its airlift mission,” said Mark Kronenberg, Vice President of International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We look forward to partnering with India as we move forward with the agreement’s 30 percent offset programme, which will help strengthen India’s aerospace and defense capabilities.”