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 "Boeing
is very pleased that the Indian government has
expressed interest in acquiring the C-17 to modernize
its airlift capabilities, and we look forward
to working closely with them," said Vivek
Lall, vice president and India country head, Boeing
Defense, Space & Security. "We believe
the C-17 can fulfill India's needs for military
and humanitarian airlift to help it meet its growing
domestic and international responsibilities."
The C-17 conducted demonstration flights in February
at Aero India 2009 in Bangalore, where members
of the MOD and Indian Air Force had the opportunity
to see the aircraft's capabilities in action.
"Nations looking to modernize their airlift
capabilities turn to the C-17 because it has the
highest reliability and mission-capable rate of
any airlift aircraft," added Tommy Dunehew,
Boeing Global Mobility Systems vice president
of Business Development. "It is available
right now, without any development risk. Plus,
the C-17 is an acquisition success story, with
deliveries on or ahead of schedule for the past
decade."
 A
tactical and strategic airlifter, only the C-17
can carry large combat equipment and troops or
humanitarian aid across international distances
and deliver them directly to small austere airfields
anywhere in the world. It can land combat-ready
troops on semi-prepared runways or airdrop them
directly into the fight. The C-17's ability to
back up allows it to operate on narrow taxiways
and congested ramps. With a payload of up to 170,000
pounds, the C-17 can take off and land in 3,000
feet or less.
There are currently 212 C-17s in service worldwide,
including 19 with international customers.
The US Air Force, including active Guard and
Reserve units, has 193. Other customers include
the United Kingdom (which recently announced a
contract for a seventh airlifter), Qatar, the
Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force,
and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability
initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air
Defence announced Jan. 6 that the UAE has signed
a contract for the acquisition of six Boeing C-17s.
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