India orders additional six C-130J Super Hercules for $1.2bn

Washington: The Pentagon has notified the US Congress about the possible sale of an additional six C-130J 'Super Hercules' heavy-lift aircraft, worth $1.2 billion, to India. The deal is worth the same as the original order of six in 2008.

According to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notification to the US Congress, India has requested a possible sale of six Lockheed Martin C-130J United States Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft including associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner and to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship," it said in the mandatory notification to the Congress.

"The proposed sale will provide the Indian Government with a credible special operations airlift capability that will help deter aggression in the region and provide enhanced humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support,"

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, DSCA said, and "There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale."