IAF to induct Boeing C-17 strategic heavy transporters from 2013
10 Oct 2011
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct the first of the ten Boeing-manufactured C-17 Globemaster-III heavy airlift transport aircraft it has on order in June 2013, before placing a follow-on order for six more. It has plans to induct as many as 20 of these strategic heavy-lifters, but currently has government sanction for 16.
Speaking to a defence magazine, IAF chief, air chief marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne, said that Boeing would deliver all the 10 aircraft between 2013 and 2014, and based on operational satisfaction the IAF would then consider placing orders for an additional six.
According to the ACM, induction of all 16 aircraft should be complete by 2015.
"C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are expected to be inducted between 2013 and 2015," he said.
The air chief also clarified that though the IAF planned to acquire 20 such aircraft, as of now it had government clearance for just 16.
The IAF expects to sign contracts for an additional six C-17s sometime in 2013.
