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World Aviation Defense & Security News - India
 
 
US oks $366 mn FMS from India for additional C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter
 
The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India for one additional C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft for an estimated cost of $366.2 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on June 26.
     
An IAF C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter
(Credit: Boeing)
     
India requested the possible sale of one C-17 transport aircraft with four Turbofan F-117-PW-100 engines. According to the DSCA, the sale would also include one AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System, one AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS), one AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder, precision navigation equipment, spare and repair parts, maintenance, support and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $366.2 million.

"The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements. India lies in a region prone to natural disasters and will use the additional capability for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR). In addition, through this purchase India will be able to provide more rapid strategic combat airlift capabilities for its armed forces," the DSCA said.

The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 10 C-17 Globemaster III. This Boeing-built aircraft large military airlifter can carry up to 102 paratroopers, or one M1 Abrams main battle tank, three Strykers, or six M1117 Guardian armored vehicles. It features a maximum operational range of 10,390 km with paratroopers.