In 2019 Boeing delivered its last C-17 Globemaster to Indian Air Force. IAF has inducted 11 C-17 heavyweight transport aircraft in the fleet. It can carry heavy equipment, troops, medical evacuation, assistance in a disaster, and can be operated in all weather conditions.
Globe Master took it’s the first flight in 1991, and was introduced in 1995. Primary users of C-17 are United States Air Force and Indian Air Force. Till now 279 Globemaster’s has been built by Boeing and has finally stopped the production.
In June 2010 India requested the US for delivery of 10 C-17 Globemaster for heavy-lift transport. In 2011 IAF and Boeing signed an agreement for the delivery of 10 C-17’s. Even India planned in 2012 to import 6 more Globemaster in the five-year term 2017-2022, but in 2015 Boeing had finally stopped the production. But in 2017 US Department of State approved 1 more C-17 to India, which increased the total numbers to 11.
In 2013 Indian Air Force officially inducted the first 3 Globemaster’s into their arsenal. C-17’s were inducted to No. 81 Squadron IAF, also called as Skylords Squadron. The base station of a fleet of 11 Globemaster’s is Hindon Air Force Station.
Glonemaster’s crew includes 2 pilots and 1 loadmaster, with a total load-bearing capacity of 77,519 kg, and can attain a maximum speed of Mach0.875. It can fly 2400 miles or can be refueled in mid-air. It can even carry 102 paratroopers with their payloads.
Amid the ongoing India-China faceoff, C-17 is helping India to transport troops and essential equipment in the Ladakh region. It also helped Indian in transporting troops to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Even it helped India in transporting relief materials during disasters.
Globemaster proved itself of great use to India during the national emergencies for strategic airlift and to deploy Special Force. It had been operated from mountainous terrain in the Himalayas to Oceans. Its presence is a big achievement for India, which reduces the time travel for the transportation of heavy materials and troops.
