India seeks 10 Boeing C-17s

This would be great news for the line given recent congressional approval of another 8 airframes for the USAF.

India is looking to acquire at least 10 Boeing C-17 tactical transport aircraft as part of its plan to increase its airlift capabilities.

New Delhi issued a request for information to the US Air Force in February asking how much it would cost to own and operate a fleet of the aircraft, says Boeing. Any contract will be through the US government's foreign military sales mechanism.

"The USAF is handling this but we understand that India needs 10 aircraft. Delivery timelines are not clear at this stage," says Jean Chamberlin, vice-president for global mobility systems at Boeing. She was unable to say when a contract would be signed.

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, chief of the Indian air force, told Indian media the deliveries would begin three years after a contract. The aircraft will replace some of the service's 20 Ilyushin Il-76 heavylift aircraft.


www.flightglobal.com...

As a side note. Lockheed is getting more agressive with the the C-130J as well

www.latimes.com...