IAF gets C-17 Globemaster III aircraft

The first of ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft, being purchased by India from the US, touched down at Hindon airbase near the capital Tuesday, marking a milestone in the modernisation of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

An official release said the C-17 Globemaster III was received by Air Marshal S. Sukumar, deputy chief of air staff at Hindon airbase.

The aircraft will be based at Hindon.

The IAF took delivery of the aircraft June 11 at Long Beach, California, in the US, following training of its ground and air crew.

The release said the aircraft will enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance capability.

It would also augment strategic reach of the force during disaster relief mission.

"The induction of the C-17 is a major milestone in the modernisation drive of the IAF," the release said.

The C-17 is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed military-transport aircraft and can fly long distances, carrying large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields in harsh terrain in the day or night.