Scan Eagle and Hermes front running to seal the UAV deal

Scan Eagle and Hermes front running to seal the UAV deal

It's once again the Indian armed forces gearing up to buy unmanned aerial systems for it's tri services, with the proposed value of more than $3 billions under make in India program, Two UAV's American Insitu Scan Eagle and the Israeli Hermes running front to seal the deal. It's reported that Air force may stick with the Israeli systems, Navy and Army will move on with American UAV.

The UAV saga running front since the desi UAV program failed to meet armed forces requirement, The government soon process the RFI to acquire more than three thousand of UAV systems and it's associated equipment's. The Army gets low numbers Navy and Airforce gets more number of UAV's.

Under this new program, the UAV's must capable to fly more than 20 hours with the operational altitude of some 15,000 feet. The Indian airforce who loves the Israeli systems to keep rely on the Hermes UAV's which capable to meet air force requirements. The Air force is known customer of Israeli UAV's, from Heron UAV to armed drone IAI Eitan which is currently in order.

Beginning of this April, Indian company's Adani Cooperation and Alpha systems signed a contract with Israeli Elbit systems who design and manufacture Hermes 450 and 900 UAV's, to manufacture the same in India under the make in India program.

The Hermes 450 is an medium altitude and long range UAV, can capable to stay in the air for more than 20 hours, the 450 can perform observation mission with the range of 300 kilometers, by flying at the altitude of 18,000 feet.

The Hermes 900 is same like the Hermes 450 with double range and endurance than the 450. Both required a runway for autonomous take off and landing. Where the air force keen to use those new generation UAV's to keep the Air force bases and vital installations always under the bird eye view. The Hermes valued some $2M for an UAV and associated ground control systems.

Unlike the Airforce, the Army and Navy has sort of runways, so they were looking for a assisted launching capable UAV. like the Army's Nishanth UAV. Boeing's Scan eagle developed with the help of Insitu is front running to seal the deal.

Boeing's scan eagle is one of the combat proven UAV that has been used in many countries, also certified for maritime operations too, the Scan eagle can be launched by any Naval warship with the small setup in the fantail. The catapult launch system can launch the Scan Eagle and can be  recovered by parachute assisted by dedicated GPS signal.

The Scan eagle capable to fly at the speed of 120 kilometers and stay in the altitude of more than 15,000 feet. The Scan eagle stay in the air for more than 24 hours. with an operational range of some 100 kilometers for effective control and communication.

The Scan eagle comes with modular payload of world's smaller Synthetic aperture radar, to provide high quality images and weather condition of the battlefield, which suits better for both land and maritime operations. A set of Scan eagle system consists of four UAV's, one launching system and a control station costs around $3.5 millions.

It's reported that India will soon to take decision of buying those UAV's to increase the surveillance of the armed forces with the high end technology. There were still another procurement left which is the battlefield UAV's for ground troops yet to be issued.

Bye Bye Rafale, Ministry plans to buy F 18 IN

Bye Bye Rafale, Ministry plans to buy F 18 IN

Source's close to Defense ministry confirms that India plans to produce the American F 18 in India with TATA as the indigenous supplier. The proposed sale will be discussed and to be drafted in the upcoming visit of US DOD Chief to India. US major Lockheed proposed the F 16 IN to India, due to the single engine and the Lockheed's relationship with Pakistan forced the IAF keep out  Lockheed's offer.

On the other side Boeing has made good relationship with India, recent signatures of AH 64 and CH 47, and Boeing's MoU with TATA also good example for that. F 18 IN is the advanced variant of F 18 E/F version, IN version has larger Indian sub components, also allows to carry Indian and Israeli made weapons.

There is no information about how many numbers of F 18 could be produced in India, however there is no delays in the new procurement like earlier, The new DDP allows faster negotiations and contract agreements. Also there is no details mentioned in the earlier signe MoU of 36 Rafale acquisition program with France.

Many feasible options in the F 18, F 18 engines can be used in desi Tejas and the upcoming AMCA. the need of F414 engine numbers  may cross over 3000 for the next twenty years, and GE already signed a contract with an Indian company to produce those engines in India,

F 18 also certified to be operated from aircraft carriers, which can be used in upcoming IAC 2 carrier, as one more the F 18's master piece variant EA 18 G also a good choice for dedicated jamming. the air force's long time dream of operating dedicated special squadron after retiring the MiG25

F 18 E/F one of the newest bird in the US Navy and air force based on the legendary F 18 hornet. which was introduced in the USAF in 2000. as of now Royal Australian force is the only export customer who use both E/F and G version of F 18.

The F 18 can be used in multiple missions, same like Rafale. the F 18 carry more variety of ammunition and more number of weapons than the Rafale. whose range is quite lower than the Rafale when comes to comparison.  The new F 18 also comes with advanced modern AESA radar AN/APG 79 made by Raytheon.

The IN version comes with eleven hard points which allows the aircraft to carry more number of air to air, air to ground and air to ship munitions, Modern missiles like AIM 120 D, JDAM and Harpoon also can be used from the Indian Hornet.

The Hornet's are costs less than the Rafale in all aspects, which include weapons and acquisitions. However Rafale leads in less operating and maintenance cost. As like other US fighter jets, The F 18 too have modern avionics, electronic warfare and jamming suites. which include towed decoy's.

Buying both F 18 and Rafale makes the IAF once again in the logistics nightmare, maintaining both Rafale and F 18 is so hard since Pilots need to be trained in different platforms and also there is no option of interoperability. Less number of Pilots in the IAF also a issue operating both Rafale and F 18. ammo nightmare is also a problem. since F 18 can be support Indian and Israeli weapons, but not the french one. Especially on the air to air missiles. 

It's the IAF who can send a formal proposal for the eligible aircraft, However it's the ministry who decide which one need to be bought.  

Know your Apache and Chinook

Know your Apache and Chinook

   After years long delay, Finally India signs the deal with US to buy 22 Apache Attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy lift Helicopters along with associated equipment's valued $3 billions, the deal was finalized early 2010 by Boeing and India, and Boeing keeps the same price for more than 13 times before signing the deal, so far the signing details not available for public release however the FMS - foreign Military sales document clearly says  Apache would be the AH 64 Block III variant that's the AH 64 E, the most modern helicopter in service with US forces, however no clear information available for which variant of CH 47 would be delivered, as per earlier suggestions in 2010, The CH 47 F would be acquired, and recent time US moved with much modern MH 47 G versions.

   There is no doubt that AH 64 is the most advanced attack helicopter ever developed, during the race with Russian Mi 28, Apache impressed the Indian officials with network centric capability, low flying capability and easy weapon handling, along with fire and forget anti armor missiles and 30mm chain gun impressed the IAF officials very much. the initial plan is to buy 22 apache helicopters followed by another 11 Helicopters in future, that's only for the air force, also Army too insisting the Ministry to buy a set of 39 Apache helicopters, however both follow on order and Army's requests put on hold as of now.

   Apache is an low observable helicopter, when it flies very low, no radar will see it, during the initial stage of attack in Iraq, Apache leads the role by destroying Iraqi early warning radar's, without being detected, It also performed numerous support missions all over Iraq and Afghan proved it's capabilities, most of the Helicopters won't carry fire control radar's, the AH 64 E carries a mast mounted milli meter wave fire control radar developed by the Northrup gruman, the Long bow radar can guide the Radar guided missile Hell fire to engage targets in fire and forget mode, which allows automatic target acquisition and engaging, the Long bow can track more than hundred targets within a minute, both moving and stationary targets, and ripple fire the Hell fire missiles, Apache can carry 16 Hell fire missiles,

   Apache also support the Ground troops using it's missiles and gun's. the Apache's optical systems allows engage hell fire missiles, if the target was lazed by the ground troops. means if Ground troops pinned down by enemy heavy resistance, they can light the enemy positions using the laser which was connected with Apache's computer system, once the target acquired Apache can use missiles, Rockets or Guns to suppress the Target.

    Apache comes with two heavy engines that can boost the Apache's speed by some 300 kilometers per hour, and can fly as much as 20,000 feet, Apache can conduct mission close to some 500 kilometers, these stats for fully armed AH 64 E, if it was stationed in Kashmir region Apache can cover entire Kashmir Region, and reach any given spot within a hour with full combat power. It's believed IAF could use those Apache's close to Border area's to provide air cover to the ground troops, Apache's can't be refueled in the air, however it can be deployed from any forward operating air bases close to the mission area. Apache can also engage air threats like fighter aircraft's, helicopters and UAV's using the Stinger missiles.

   with the Packages, IAF set to receive tons of missiles, ammunition  and spare parts, the package includes" 50 T700-GE-701D engines, 12 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars, 12 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers, 812 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 542 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire II missiles, 245 Stinger Block I-92H missiles, and 23 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensors, rockets, training and dummy missiles, 30mm ammunition, transponders, simulators, global positioning system/inertial navigation systems, communication equipment, spare and repair parts; tools and test equipment, support equipment, repair and return support, this amount of weapons are enough to knock out and front line offensive forces, can also support the Indian Army's offensive forces to achieve the object.

CH 47

   As per the initial contract, IAF Selected the CH 47 F, which is the most advanced variant available for export, however later years, some of the CH 47 units modernized with most complicated sensor suites and inflight refueling capability to extend the range,  the MH 47 G also designed with low observable characteristics, the American using very low numbers of MH 47 G varients, which are used by the JSOC command only, America never exported the MH 47 G to other countries, however still now no clear information about which variant of Chinook, IAF is going to acquire, mostly IAF gets the CH 47 F with some modifications.

    The IAF Plans to buy some 15 Chinooks as initial batch, four more later. the CH 47 F can carry or slug upto 12 tons of load, with the maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour, it can fly as much as some 18,000 feet height, the Chinook can conduct missions at some 350 kilometers from base and rteurn back to the base with reserve fuel, It can be deployed from forward operating bases too, however the US Army' MH 47 G only has the refueling capability, no others has such capability. 

   IAF selected the CH 47 for many reasons include it's maneuvering capability to fly low and narrow ways in between hills to remain undetected, IAF mainly selected the Chinooks to transport heavy armaments close to border positions which was inaccessible by the roads, IAF also plans to use the CH 47 to carry materials to construct roads and bridges close to borders, the Heavy lifter Mi 26 can carry 20 tons of payload however it can't perform multi role missions like Chinook,

It reported some media sources quoted anonymous sources, Boeing will complete the delivery of both AH 64 and CH 47 within next 36 months.

Operation Maitri - Restoring and Rebuilding Nepal

 Operation Maitri – Rebuilding Nepal

   At around 12’0 on 25th the April, the earth shook in Nepal and across northern and eastern India. Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earth quake which reduced the nation to rubble's, Eastern India bear the brunt with the several buildings across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. The earth quake triggered avalanches across the Himalayan range. Landslides were witnesses and major roads were taken out.

       Aftershocks continued for several days, the highest measuring almost up to 7.1 on the Richter scale. The earth quake had left a trail of destruction and several villages across Nepal were left inaccessible. Going by the magnitude of the earthquake it was sure that the casualties suffered in the calamity was very high and the rescue missions were the need of the hour.

      Nepal was overwhelmed by the scale of destruction and with a limited military and para-military force was forced to look out for a multi-nation rescue operation. Being Nepal’s immediate neighbor India responded with in minutes to the request. PM Modi promised a full scale rescue mission would be mounted within the shortest possible span.

        It was decided that the immediate response team would consist of rescue and medical teams which were formed by the NDRF and Ghurkha regiment officers. The first C-130J carrying NDRF officials and 3 tonnes of medical and emergency supplies took off by 4:00 PM. Air force, Army and NDRF assets were immediately put on standby for any eventuality. GOI planned further missions once the airport in Nepal was declared safe for operations.

      The NDRF was charged with carrying out the rescue and relief mission and the army was charged with setting up facilities for relief operations. By the evening ten teams from the NDRF consisting of almost 500 personnel and sniffer dogs were ordered to be flown to Nepal with the assistance of IAF. With the KTM airport being declared safe for operations, IAF rolled out the gigantic C-17 Globe master III.

     The C-17 on the first day was dispatched to KTM with NDRF teams, Rapid Action Medical Teams (RAMT) and Medical teams. The aircraft also carried essential supplies which consisted of blankets, food packets, water, medical supplies, tents and transportable operation theaters for the RAMT. The IL-76 heavy lifters were also pressed into action. By the first day Indian Air Force had carried out more than 20 sorties and had evacuated thousands of survivors which included citizens from US, UK and many other nations.

      IAF had operated sorties throughout the night flying to and fro from KTM. By the second day the operation was officially code named “Operation Maitri “, IAF by then had pressed more than 10 aircraft into action which included the C-17 Globemaster III, IL-76, C-130J and An-32’s. Sunday morning flights were dedicated to transporting urgent medical supplies and medical teams. Engineering teams were also dispatched which were instrumental in setting up forward field hospitals and tents to accommodate the survivors.

           The second half of the day saw IAF making sorties with additional NDRF teams and engineering teams. Almost 50 tons of water and 22 tons of food supplies were stacked up in KTM airport. India also started mounting a huge scale evacuation operation and operated 35 buses from Nepal. Bad weather and repeated aftershocks forced IAF to hold back pressing the helicopters into service.




          On the ground the NDRF and the Army jawans had started searching for survivors. NDRF teams were pulling out survivors from debris. The injured were being treated in first aid centers setup across the nation. To treat the critically wounded were being taken care of in forward field hospitals which included OT’s and ICU’s.

         The engineering teams primarily started constructing as many field hospitals possible and then concentrated on pitching up tents for the survivors. The engineering team was also put in charge of clearing debris and clearing roads, which could then help gain access to remote villages. With the tents setup the army started with the process of distributing food and water to the affected and the process of rehabilitation to the centers started.

         With roads being rendered inactive many villages remained inaccessible, to access these villages IAF pitched in their helicopters. IAF initially deployed 8 Mi-17 and 2 Dhruv’s to assist in the operations. The Mi-17 and Dhruv dropped relief supplies to the worst affected valleys where landing was not possible. Several wounded and stranded people were evacuated in the helicopters from the remotest areas. Dhruv under the Army Aviation corps was also pitched into service.

      The rotary crafts served the remotest areas of Nepal and helped save thousands of injured and survivors. The Mi-17 were based at Pokhara and Kathmandu. These Mi-17’s were part of the large scale relief and rescue operations in inaccessible areas like Barpak, Gorkha, Aroghat and Lukla.

       The combined Indian forces worked in Nepal for well over 40 days. The Air force and army together flew more than 2223 sorties in a span of just 38 days. About 11200 people were transported to safer places and about 1700 tonne of relief material was dropped for people in distress. The Rapid Action Medical Teams (RAMT) cared for almost 4762 injured people and conducted more than 300 successful operations.

  
  The NDRF worked tirelessly to restore human life in Kathmandu. NDRF saved thousands of life’s even as the earth shook when they deep inside buildings. The Engineering Task Force (ETF) cleared many routes which were rendered inactive because of the quake and landslides. The ETF were instrumental in help re-connect villages which helped in relief operations. The ETF also restored several hundred buildings and bridges across the nation.

      The earth quake was the worst calamity to have struck Nepal after the 1934 earth quake. More than 9000 people lost their life and the quake left 22000 people injured. The earth quake left a trail of destruction rendering thousands of Nepali’s homeless, homes and buildings were razed to the ground. After shocks has continued to rock Nepal keeping its people in constant fear. More than 450000 people have been displaced and have lost their livelihood.

        Widespread avalanches and landslides were reported across the nation further endangering human life. The economic loss Nepal has suffered cannot be calculated at the movement but with its limited resources it is extremely hard for Nepal alone to fund reconstruction programs. US, India and the World Bank have stepped forward to assist Nepal with the rehabilitation programs. With the help of India and the world fraternity, Nepal has promised to be back on its feet. I sincerely wish Nepal regains its status and thrives as India’s most reliable neighbor.

Article - Karthik Kakoor

A-10 Thunderbolt for Indian Air Force

A-10 Thunderbolt for Indian Air Force

     The relationship between US and India has evolved over time, be it in the field of trade, the flourishing computer and Internet industries or the military field.  America has termed India as a strategic partner and has looked up to India for countering the Chinese aggression in Asia. India is the key for America’s quest to strike a power balance in the trouble ridden Asian-Pacific region. America has proactively helped India inch forward in every field. 

           America is currently third biggest supplier for the lucrative Indian defense market that is growing by bounds. America has over time cleared the sale of some of the most strategic platforms to empower India in its arms race against China. The export of Boeing C-17 globe master and the Poseidon's to India have showcased America’s trust of India. A new smoother and prospective way has been carved with the recent visit of Obama, who has opened hot lines to make sure the relationship reaches newer heights and turns out to be a game changer in the race for peace.

          India’s plans of acquiring modernized and reliable platforms to arm it’s forces with the most robust and efficient equipment''s is a long way to go. With the regional threats increasing and with China’s aggression to check, the drive for the modernization has taken a front seat in India's development agenda. India is look at every available option  to add the most battle proven weapon to its arsenal. There is news in the air, news that has gained credibility with sources close to Janes and LoS partially confirming it. It’s to do with the ‘Guardians of our Skies’, yes it is again from the stables of the Indian Air force.  

         Reports have now emerged that Boeing has requested the permission of US Congress to offer the battle proven A-10 thunderbolts to foreign nations and it has emerged at a time when a delegation led by CAS (Chief of Air Staff) Air Chief Marshal of Indian Air Force, Anup Raha is in US discussing and review projects for acquiring the most proven weapons from USA. The A-10 thunderbolt has been the mainstay CAS aircraft for the US forces for over three decades. The primary user of the A-10 thunderbolt’s, USAF has now come up with plans to retire the jets from service and to replace them with the more advanced F35’s.

Why should India be looking at acquiring the retiring A-10 Thunderbolt?

       The need for a CAS aircraft was strongly felt during the Kargil operations, without any CAS aircraft IAF was forced to use its rotary wing, but they failed to operate in the hostile and high altitudes of the Himalayas. Though IAF pressed its fleet of Jaguar’s and Mirages in to service the kills attained by these jets were extremely minimal.  With Pakistan and China lingering around the borders day in and out a repeat of Kargil is never far. Indian Air Force for long has been on the lookout for a proven CAS platform. With very limited options clubbed with financial crunches, IAF was forced to look at acquiring rotary aircraft capable of CAS rather than the costly jets.

      With Boeing pitching in for selling the A-10, this may turn out to be the most after-sought jets by IAF. These jets are extremely maneuverable and cost efficient to operate. The jets not only perform as CAS aircraft but can also carry forward air control (FAC), where the jets will mark targets for providing guidance to CAS aircraft. The jets are powered by two GE developed TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines, these engines have proved their capabilities in extreme weather conditions. The jets have seen most of their combat in hot weather conditions and thus proving the engines are highly reliable in Indian conditions.

      If added to the depleting arsenal of IAF, these jets can be force multipliers and can help boost the morale of the ground forces to a great extent. The cost concerns can be effectively worked out, costing just over US $ 12 million for a single piece these jets can be the most cost efficient option the IAF may be left with. The deal would not only be cost efficient but would also prove to add to the capabilities of IAF. 

     Just the thought of these jets circling over head can boost the morale of the ground forces, the jet may not only be used in a war but can also be used in Anti-Naxal operations. CRPF for long has been requesting for a dedicated CAS unit, which can serve as the backbone for any ground offensive against the red forces.

    The A 10’s are dedicated CAS (Close-in Air Support Aircraft). Designed around the GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon and coupled with titanium armours these jets are often referred to as flying tanks.  The jet can annihilate the enemies and freeze them in their paths. Though first delivered in 1976, the A-10’s have been the most favored CAS aircraft in the USAF arsenal. A-10 tasted its first piece of battle in the 1991 Gulf war, where the jet was responsible to the most kills in the war. Such was the success rate of the jet that USAF was forced to think twice about replacing them with an advanced version of the F-16.

     


















 By the end of the war A-10’s had flown about 8100 sorties and enjoyed a 95.8 % mission capable rate. By the time US involved in combats across Iraq and Afghanistan, A-10’s had become the most after sought support machinery. About 60 A-10 were flown to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to support the ground forces inch forward in the hostile environment. Though slow moving, these jets can spell havoc when the doorway to the canon’s are opened. These jets have been the most successful CAS aircraft, time and again they have proved their might by supporting the cause taken by US.

         US had offered India with Scorpion jets which if inducted would have formed the CAS wing and would also help in the light bombing missions. But the Scorpions have never tasted battle and inducting such an aircraft can be a costly mistake. The Scorpions are expected cost over US $15 million, rather the Indian government may look at negotiating for the battle proven A-10’s.

         The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is one more aircraft the IAF is believed to have shown interest in. Gripen was even fielded in the now stalled MMRCA deal, but had lost out in the initial rounds of testing. Saab had drawn up an agreement with Tata, to jointly develop the Gripen NG (New Generation) in India. Gripen though developed by EU nations, mainly depends on components developed and manufactured by US companies and this was one of the main reason, IAF turned down Gripen. The idea of co-developing a jet is a welcome move for the Indian industries, but at a time when IAF squadrons are depleting it may not be the best option. A single unit of Gripen NG is estimated at around US $70 million, even though developing in India may reduce the cost it still won’t turn out to be the most cost efficient option for IAF. 

Why should IAF be acquiring an aircraft the USAF is retiring from active service?

          The aircraft’s India will not be sent just off the shelf. Boeing has clearly mentioned that the aircraft which will be on offer to foreign countries will be refurbished and will be overhauled. The jets will also receive major upgrades to its avionics and weapon stations, thereby enhancing the capabilities significantly. USAF is actively pitching to field the F-35 Lightning aircraft which will serve as a multi-mission aircraft. The move to retire the A-10’s is aimed towards cutting operational costs.

         A-10’s are proven CAS and FAC operators but cannot engage aerial targets. Deploying additional fighter squadrons to escort these machines is extremely demanding and with the threat theatres in which USAF is involved increasing, it is time USAF looks at aircrafts that can attack at the same time defend when attacked. But IAF has a limited operational range and is currently charged with protecting the borders of its nation.

          A-10’s weren’t scheduled to be retired from service until 2035, it was even planned to develop unmanned A-10 but was later dropped considering the operational range. These jets have evolved to effective piece machinery because of the constant updates these jets have received since their induction. The whole basic layout of A-10 have been transformed over the years LASTE, IFFCC and laser receiver pods are some of the key changes that have been imparted aboard the jets.

           In 2005, A-10 was provided with precision engagement upgrades and improved fire control system and ECM systems were clubbed to the aircraft. The very notable upgrade was when USAF came up with the decision to provide new wing sets to the entire A-10 fleet. With this upgrade the jets can serve till 2035. If inducted by the IAF by 2018, the jets can serve for nearly two decades and with a few upgrades, the jets service life can be increased substantially at least till an dedicated CAS platform is developed by India.

          If the US congress clears Boeing plans to sell upgraded A-10’s to foreign countries, India will top the priority list. On the lookout for a dedicated CAS platform there wouldn’t be another best available option for the IAF. With India and US enjoying a warm relationship a G-G deal should guarantee these jets to be flying in IAF colours in the least possible time. 

        These jets will not only serve in the frontlines but can also serve in securing the internal interests by supporting CAS to the Anti-Naxal operations. If acquired by IAF, these jets will be a priced possession. Any Adventurous moves by any hostile forces can turn out to be disastrous with the flick of a few buttons. Be warned hostiles IAF may soon be armed with the “Warthog”. 

 Article-Karthik Kakoor  

The C 17 Globemaster

The C 17 Globemaster

   

LCA Tejas loaded into C 17

   Primarily designated as a heavy lifter but performing various other operations this aircraft has time and again proved its might operating under various Air forces. The aircraft in talk is the Boeing C-17 Globe Master originally developed for the United States Air force by the McDonnell Douglas. The development of the C-17 started in 1980 with USAF planning to replace the aging Starlifter fleet. The first aircraft was delivered to to USAF on 14th July 1993. 

     The first C-17 operational squadron cherished the 17th Airlift Squadron  became operational on 17th January 1995. USAF alone operates 223 C-17 and has termed the C-17 project as one of the best success stories in the history of Military inventions. McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, which later got the C 17 cleared for Export. C 17 is also operated by United Kingdom, EU counties like and also by Middle Eastern countries.

     The Indian government selected the C-17 for fulfilling its very heavy lift transport aircraft requirement. In 2010 India raised a requested for procuring 10 C-17s under the Foreign Military Sales program by US, the US soon responded positively to this request and granted its consent for selling 10 aircraft's.  In February 2011, the Indian government signed a deal with Boeing for arming the Indian Air Force with 10 C-17 under a $4.1 billion deal. A clause for procuring six additional aircraft's was also included in the deal.

     Apart from the US Air force, the Indian Air force is the largest operator of the C 17 fleet. The Air force is yet to enforce the clause for procuring 6 additional C-17. C-17 have proved their might by serving the force in the frontline when the need has raised and have also been part of all major humanitarian missions the Indian government has involved itself in. 

     The active production of these heavy lifters have come to a grinding halt with Boeing deciding to close down its Long Beach facility which was responsible for producing these aircrafts. With only 15 airframes of C-17 remaining in the world open for export clauses it is high time the IAF enforces its clause for procuring additional number of C-17. 

    The might of these C-17 was proved again in the recently concluded ‘Operation Rahat’ where these heavy lifters flew several sorties to Djibouti evacuating nearly 3000 evacuees from the war torn Yemen.  The C-17 can be used to airlift troops and supplies at one go and at a very short notice can be converted for a strategic air drop mission. But India showcased was a rare feature of the C-17, IAF installed comfortable seats in a 5+2 configuration and thus used the aircrafts at its best for the humanitarian mission.






      The Australian and the Arabs are lobbying strongly for procuring two each of this heavy lifter and the Canadian government is known to be actively pitching for a single piece of this heavy lifter. If the lobbying is accepted by Boeing and the sale is granted only 10 airframes will be left across the globe. With C17 being an integrated part of the IAF missions its time the Indian government exercises the clause under the tender and opts for another 6 C-17. This move will arm the IAF with aircraft that can serve the nation in a two string front. 

 

IAF C 17 during Op Rahat, 5+2 Seat config

Editor Karthik Kakoor