LONG BEACH, Calif., June 16 (UPI) -- India has become the largest international customer for Boeing's C-17s following U.S. congressional approval of a Foreign Military Sales Agreement.
Under the agreement, Boeing will produce 10 C-17s for the Indian air force, with deliveries in 2013 and 2014. The agreement is expected to be worth about $4 billion
"The C-17 will elevate India's leadership in the region," said Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar. "With its tactical and strategic capabilities, the C-17 fulfills India's needs for military and humanitarian airlift.
"The important transaction reaffirms our close relationship of several decades with India and also highlights our commitment to the strategic partnership between the two countries."
Boeing will support India's C-17 fleet through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a multinational performance-based logistics program. The GSP "virtual fleet" arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers with access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.
"Boeing is pleased that the Indian air force has selected the C-17 to support its airlift mission," said Mark Kronenberg, vice president of International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space and Security. "We look forward to partnering with India as we move forward with the agreement's 30 percent offset program, which will help strengthen India's aerospace and defense capabilities."
