How India lost last batch of Unsold C-17s Globemaster to others
In 2009, India by placing orders for only 10 C-17 Globe master cargo aircraft, became Second biggest Operator of the type. Original agreement also had an option for 6 aircrafts as follow up option, the option which India wanted to finalize in the 13th five-year plan (2017–2022).
But by 2013 it was clear that Boeing with lack of orders coming from its biggest C-17 operator which was USAF had decided to close its final assembly plant in Long Beach, California by 2015.
Boeing had a firm order of 12 aircrafts and went on to produce further 10 more C-17 aircrafts from its own funds for possible sale to existing C-17 fleet operators and thus all existing operators were informed about last 10 remaining unsold C-17s put up for Sale.
By Early 2014, Two C-17s were picked up by Kuwaiti Air Force, One by Royal Canadian Air Force and by end of 2014 it was clear that Boeing had found customer for Two more C17s which were later ordered by Royal Australian Air Force.
By Early 2015 it was clear that Boeing had only 5 unsold C-17 left and even after repeated reminders to Indian air force and Ministry of Defence officials by Boeing, Indian Red tape and Bureaucracy could not judge urgent matter at hand and take a call on pending request of Indian air force to pick up remaining 5 C-17s.
By June 2015, Qatari Emiri Air Force decided to double its fleet of 4 C-17s purchased in 2009 and agreed to purchase 4 C-17s of the remaining 5 unsold C-17s from Boeing.By the time, Services Capital Acquisition Plan meeting cleared IAF’s proposal to buy three new Boeing C-17 transport aircraft, Boeing had only one unsold C-17 at its disposal.
It is still unclear how remainder of two C-17s will be acquired by India but with other fleet operators having even smaller fleet of C-17s at their disposal, it is likely India will approach USAF which currently operates 223 C-17 aircrafts for possible resale from its inventory, last batch of C-17 were inducted by USAF in 2013.
Induction of C-17 was declared as a game changer and an enabler for IAF, C-17 provided tremendous flexibility in terms of operational response options to IAF. The long-range, heavy-lift capability allowed commanders to induct troops, squadrons, relocate forces as well as shift forces between theatres rapidly. The C-17 formed an extremely important component of the strategic airlift capability and reach of the IAF, Which were showcased in multiple Disaster relief operations it was involved in.
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