Corporate America elated as India inks largest ever defence deal

Washington: Just weeks after losing out on a massive order for 126 fighter aircraft American defence and aerospace giant Boeing has made a strong comeback in what is perhaps the biggest defence market in the world today. Corporate America, indeed political America, is celebrating the announcement of an Indian decision to purchase 10 C-17 Globemaster-III heavy-lift transport planes manufactured by Boeing hailing it as a testament to New Delhi's confidence in the United States as a long-term defence partner.

At $4.1 billion this will be the biggest ever defence deal signed by both sides.

Welcoming India's decision to buy 10 Boeing C-17 heavy-lift aircraft for its air force, US-India business body, the US India Business Council (USIBC), said on Monday, "This is testament to India's appreciation of US technology and confidence in the US as a long-term defence sales partner. This largest-ever Indian purchase of US defence technology, we hope, will be just the beginning of much more to come."

The statement was issued by Ron Somers, president of the USIBC soon after the Indian government took a decision in this regard.

Once delivered, the Indian Air Force will be the owner and operator of the largest C-17 fleet outside the US. With the possibility of six additional orders the IAF will find itself operating a whole squadron's strength of these giant transporters. The Globemaster III has a rage of 4,500 km range, giving it a strategic capability.

It will be particularly useful at home, given the vast geographical spread of the country.