Ten C-17's for the Indian Air Force?

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From DefenseNews -

The Boeing Company said Jan. 8 that India has contacted the U.S. government about a potential purchase of 10 C-17 military transport aircraft.

"The U.S. government has received a letter of request from India's Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Indian Air Force regarding the potential acquisition of 10 C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifters," the company said in a statement.

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"Boeing is very pleased that the Indian government has expressed interest in acquiring the C-17 to modernize its airlift capabilities, and we look forward to working closely with them," said Vivek Lall, vice president and India country head of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Lall said that the C-17 "can fulfill India's needs for military and humanitarian airlift to help it meet its growing domestic and international responsibilities."

The C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifter can carry large combat equipment and troops or humanitarian aid across international distances to small airfields anywhere in the world, according to the Chicago-headquartered company.

"The Indian Air Force wants to replace and augment its fleet of Russian-made AN-32 and IL-76 airlifters," it said.

On Jan. 6, Boeing announced it had won a contract from the United Arab Emirates for six C-17 military aircraft, making the UAE the second Middle East nation to order the airlifter, after Qatar.

The financial details of the UAE order were not disclosed. Boeing does not publish the cost of a C-17, which can vary according to specifications.

According to the U.S. Air Force website, however, each unit cost $202.3 million.

There are currently 212 C-17s in service around the world, including 193 owned by the U.S. Air Force, Boeing said. The C-17 planes have 19 international customers, including the British, Canadian and Australian air forces.

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