About
US will sell India one C-17 transport aircraft. The proposed sale of C-17 transport aircraft by Boeing is estimated at a cost of is USD 366.2 million. The sale includes one missile Warning System, one Countermeasures Dispensing System, one Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder and precision navigation equipment.
C-17 Globemaster
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 commonly performs tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. It can also perform medical evacuation and airdrop duties. The C-17 is capable of strategic delivery of up to 170,900 pounds of personnel and/or equipment to main operating bases or forward operating locations. C-17 has a fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo delivery system. It allows a crew of three: pilot, co-pilot, and loadmaster, to operate the aircraft on any type of mission.
Significance
- The Globemaster will improve India's capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements. As India lies in a region prone to natural disasters therefore it will use the additional capability for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
- The aircraft is capable short field landings with a full cargo load. It can also perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions as well as transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuation when required.
- Also, the C-17 will provide more rapid strategic combat airlift capabilities for India’s armed forces.
- India currently operates C-17 aircraft bought from Boeing, therefore Indian armed force will have no problem in absorbing the aircraft. Moreover, the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
