What's new

IAF keen on six more C-17s

thestringshredder

FULL MEMBER
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
1,254
Reaction score
1
Country
India
Location
India
IAF keen on six more C-17s

imav032006_01_02.jpg


With a successful induction of three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transports into Hindon’s 81 Squadron ‘Skylords’ last week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now hoping for an early conclusion of a follow-on deal for six aircraft. Top sources indicate that the process, which was begun under former IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, is now being pushed through, with the IAF conveying to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that unless the process is begun with the United States’ Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), India will lose the opportunity to place orders for additional aircraft, since the deadline for fresh orders from Boeing’s Long Beach facility expires by early next year.

While the IAF had ideally wanted 10 more aircraft, an assessment of squadron requirements, asset deployments, etc has brought the number down to six. With a total of 16 aircraft, the IAF will split eight aircraft between two squadrons, the second to be raised under the Eastern Air Command. The C-17 platform will also be used soon for airdropping and landing at the Daulat Beg Oldie airfield, after an assessment is conducted of the feasibility and possibility, given that it will be the largest aircraft ever to land at such a high altitude.

Link - IAF keen on six more C-17s | idrw.org
 
It was to be expected, India always does this. they order a few , wait to see how they perform then order more.
 
So India isn't gonna make its own jumbo jets any time soon?

Maybe in 2050?
 
So India isn't gonna make its own jumbo jets any time soon?

Maybe in 2050?

If you mean military cargo planes then one is in pipeline, its called MTA and is in JV with Russia, as for the heavy lifters - dont think its happening anytime soon, besides we have plenty of options to purchase which will be way cheaper than inventing the wheel all over again.

MTA once done will be procured in large numbers by both countries and might have export potential as well so it makes sense investing in production and research of those.

Heavy lifters have limited market, even boeing is closing down its plant after this.
 
Good decision. Anyway are we really replacing IL-76s?? Coz there's no sign of replacement for those.
 
So India isn't gonna make its own jumbo jets any time soon?

Maybe in 2050?

Nope, just when Chinese people get to elect their own Government and get Fundamental Rights and feel free of state opression; thats when.......

Good decision. Anyway are we really replacing IL-76s?? Coz there's no sign of replacement for those.

The Il-76s are not really getting replaced, not any time soon. They will remain the IAF's work-horses on the usual 'milk-runs'.
 
IAF keen on six more C-17s

imav032006_01_02.jpg


With a successful induction of three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transports into Hindon’s 81 Squadron ‘Skylords’ last week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now hoping for an early conclusion of a follow-on deal for six aircraft. Top sources indicate that the process, which was begun under former IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, is now being pushed through, with the IAF conveying to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that unless the process is begun with the United States’ Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), India will lose the opportunity to place orders for additional aircraft, since the deadline for fresh orders from Boeing’s Long Beach facility expires by early next year.

While the IAF had ideally wanted 10 more aircraft, an assessment of squadron requirements, asset deployments, etc has brought the number down to six. With a total of 16 aircraft, the IAF will split eight aircraft between two squadrons, the second to be raised under the Eastern Air Command. The C-17 platform will also be used soon for airdropping and landing at the Daulat Beg Oldie airfield, after an assessment is conducted of the feasibility and possibility, given that it will be the largest aircraft ever to land at such a high altitude.

Link - IAF keen on six more C-17s | idrw.org

The article becomes a little suspect considering that C-17s cannot operate out of any ALG that we have (activated or otherwise) unless firming up of the landing facilities at these ALGs is taken up at a priority basis. As of now even the CJ-130 has to operate with sub-par loads when landing at the ALGs. (as was discussed between me and @kaykay I believe, a while back)

Hopefully the rest of the article is accurate wrt the follow on acquisition. Eight strategic airlifting assets for the Eastern command will make uniforms happy from Shilong/Panagarh to Delhi.
@Capt.Popeye Well the MKI tankers will obviously not be going anywhere at the moment but what of the Candids? 17 of them are operating with IAF? I have absolutely no idea what their operational availability is like or their MRO/spares-availability scenario, any chance you'd have something on you in that regard sir?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
we should have at least 20 of these beasts
For rapid deployment of troops & supporting the Mountain Divisions with supplies & stuff
 
I guess its a good decision on IAF's part. With Il-76, Cj-130 , these monsters will be backbone of Indian airlift capabilities. Will be helpfull in repid deployment of troops and assets in logistically ill equipped north eastern boarders. Also it can be deployed for massive rescue and relief operations in both national and global arena.
Great decision by IAF.
 
IAF keen on six more C-17s

imav032006_01_02.jpg


With a successful induction of three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transports into Hindon’s 81 Squadron ‘Skylords’ last week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now hoping for an early conclusion of a follow-on deal for six aircraft. Top sources indicate that the process, which was begun under former IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, is now being pushed through, with the IAF conveying to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that unless the process is begun with the United States’ Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), India will lose the opportunity to place orders for additional aircraft, since the deadline for fresh orders from Boeing’s Long Beach facility expires by early next year.

While the IAF had ideally wanted 10 more aircraft, an assessment of squadron requirements, asset deployments, etc has brought the number down to six. With a total of 16 aircraft, the IAF will split eight aircraft between two squadrons, the second to be raised under the Eastern Air Command. The C-17 platform will also be used soon for airdropping and landing at the Daulat Beg Oldie airfield, after an assessment is conducted of the feasibility and possibility, given that it will be the largest aircraft ever to land at such a high altitude.

Link - IAF keen on six more C-17s | idrw.org

IAF will going place an order for 20 more soon...
 
Back
Top Bottom