Boeing today announced that India’s Ministry of Defence has signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters. The Foreign Military Sale -- 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 program. 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 Indian Air Force (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 program, which will help strengthen India's aerospace and defense capabilities."
During rigorous field evaluation trials in India in June 2010, the C-17 met all of the IAF's airlift requirements.
A tactical and strategic airlifter, the C-17 can land combat-ready troops in remote locations or airdrop them directly where needed. The C-17's ability to back up allows it to operate on narrow taxiways and congested ramps. With a maximum payload of 164,900 pounds (74,797 kg), the C-17 can take off and land in 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or less.
Boeing has delivered 232 C-17s worldwide, including 22 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force -- including active National Guard and Reserve units -- has taken delivery of 210 C-17s. Other customers include the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence.
Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, has significantly expanded its footprint in India both in the civil aviation and defense market. Boeing is partnering with India's leading technology and manufacturing companies to build a supply chain out of India. The company also has opened a Research and Technology center in Bengaluru to collaborate with India's technical talent for research in aero structures, materials and network systems. Boeing India's corporate office is located in New Delhi. For more information on Boeing India, visit www.boeing.co.in.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 65,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
News Release Issued: LONG BEACH, Calif., June 15, 2011
Boeing to Build 10 C-17 Airlifters for Indian Air Force
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Boeing to Build 10 C-17 Airlifters for Indian Air Force
André
ex Sabena #26567
ex Sabena #26567
Re: Boeing to Build 10 C-17 Airlifters for Indian Air Force
There are also 6 options, and I suspect those will be exercised. India needs more than just 10. I would think actually two or three full squadrons but that's pure speculation. Will see as time goes by. So far each buyer has been delighted with it, and orders more than they thought they would.
Adds to the good news Boeing can keep the line going. Its so incredibly difficult to get a new transport built and teethed out (C17 had major issues and we have seen the problems with the C130J and A400M). It seem nuts to shut down a production line, then have to start from scratch when you need more (0r even a new model, the workers are long gone and the ramp up is insanely costly as you have to recreate it all)
I can easily see a C17 with new engines and a stretch morphing into a C5 replacement (not completely, but close the gap). C17 was really intended as a regional air lifer, now its inter world air lifter.
Adds to the good news Boeing can keep the line going. Its so incredibly difficult to get a new transport built and teethed out (C17 had major issues and we have seen the problems with the C130J and A400M). It seem nuts to shut down a production line, then have to start from scratch when you need more (0r even a new model, the workers are long gone and the ramp up is insanely costly as you have to recreate it all)
I can easily see a C17 with new engines and a stretch morphing into a C5 replacement (not completely, but close the gap). C17 was really intended as a regional air lifer, now its inter world air lifter.