India inducts C-17 Globemaster-III into IAF
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Sept 2, IRNA -- Giving impetus to the long standing strategic airlift of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Minister A K Antony Monday formally inducted the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III into the IAF at a special ceremony held at Hindan airbase in Uttar Pradesh state.
Describing the induction of the C-17 Globemaster III in the Indian Air Force as a ‘defining moment’, Antony said, “With this, the IAF has taken a giant stride towards its goal of acquiring multi- spectrum strategic capabilities, essential to safeguard India’s growing areas of interest,” said an official statement issued here today.
The C-17, with a capability to carry around 70 tons of load and around 150 fully geared troops, can land at small airbases such as Daulat Beg Oldie in Ladakh sector where a C-130J Super Hercules plane had made its first landing recently.
C-17 can also land on airfields such as the DBO. It needs only 3,500 feet to land whether it is hinterland or border.
The government accorded approval to buy 10 C-17 Globemaster III along with associated equipment for the IAF in June 2011. The first of the 10 aircraft touched down in India on 18th June 2013 and the delivery of all 10 is expected to be completed by November 2014.
This aircraft will enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance and would augment the strategic reach of the nation during Operations, Disaster Relief or any similar mission. The induction of the C-17 is a major milestone in the modernization drive of the IAF.
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