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India's purchase of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for the Indian Air Force will help sustain 23,000 jobs in the US, the outgoing US Ambassador to India, Mr Timothy J. Roemer, said on Tuesday.
The $4.1-billion deal is the biggest defence deal between India and the US.
“This sale captures the mutual benefits of the US-India global partnership. The sale grows and sustains 23,000 thousand jobs in America. For both countries, the sale will further strengthen the strategic ties between the US and Indian armed forces, leading to enhanced cooperation for a safer and more secure region and world,” said Mr Roemer in a statement.
The deal comes less than two months after US based manufacturers, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, lost out in the race for a $10.4-billion deal for 126 combat jets for the Indian Air Force.
Commenting on C-17 deal, Mr Roemer added, “This is indicative of the growing military and humanitarian ties between our two democracies from joint training to defence sales and ship visits, the United States is committed to sharing expertise and cutting-edge technology with India and to do so in a way that has economic benefits for both India and United States.”
The total procurement deal is more comprehensive than just the acquisition of the 10 aircraft. In addition to the 10 C-17s, the Indian Air Force will acquire aircrew and maintenance training, support and maintenance infrastructure and a wide array of spare and repair parts, technical assistance and unique aircraft modifications specific to the Indian Air Force.
The deal is expected to benefit over 600 suppliers in 44 states of the US.
The C-17 is part of the US Air Force's transport fleet and has proven track record in Iraq an Afghanistan. The aircraft has a payload of 164,900 pounds and can take off from a 7,000 foot airfield.
The aircraft can fly 2,400 nautical miles and land on an airstrip of 3,000 feet or less.
In addition to the US Air Force, the C-17 is currently in service with the British Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Canadian Forces, NATO, Qatar, and the UAE.
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