India may consider buying an additional six Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs to add to the 10 it already plans to order, which would give it a fleet to rival its 17 Ilyushin Il-76MDs.
According to Jane’s, an IAF spokesman has said that the Air Force could make a request to purchase six additional C-17s, although he refused to confirm if such a request was imminent. A Boeing India spokesperson denied that the company had received any requests from the IAF.
In June US Congress approved a Foreign Military Sale for 10 C-17s to India ahead of the signing of a formal contract, which is expected later this year. If it is firmed, the first delivery of the aircraft is expected in late 2013.
