The Indian Air Force (IAF) Monday formally inducted the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft at a function held here.
Of the 10 C-17 aircrafts, three have been delivered to the IAF while two more will be delivered this year and the remaining five in 2014.
The squadron will be based at Hindon station of the air force in Ghaziabad.
"This is a giant stride for the air force," said Defence Minister A.K. Antony who called it a "defining moment".
The C-17 will boost the IAF's capability to transport troops and equipment such as tanks to battlefronts, thanks to its ability to carry around 80 tonnes of load.