U.S. Woos India to Get Onboard for American Transport AircraftsOctober 22, 2009
 The U.S. ambassador to India was out drumming up support from the Asian regional power as it considers buying the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer tried to assuage concerns over the reliability of America as a supplier of military equipment to India after the long years of the Cold War when India had to turn to the Soviet Union for its military needs while the U.S. backed Pakistan. "I can tell you that our relationship is far different than it was even a few years back," the U.S. ambassador said, according to a report on Rediff.com. He added that the Indo-U.S. relationship has evolved and the two nations are cooperating on various fronts like energy, science, technology and trade. "The defense realm will be no different." India has already ordered six C-130 Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin -- an aircraft capable of carrying 20 tons or 92 fully armed airborne troops, according to the article. Roemer is pushing to get an order from India for the even mightier C-17 Globemaster from Boeing. The Globemaster can lift 75 tons and 135 soldiers. "Should you decide to acquire these aircraft," he said referring to the C-17, "we will do everything we can to assist you in expanding your strategic lift capability." The first C-130s will be delivered in 2011. "I can assure you that the Indian Air Force will be very pleased with the decision to purchase the C-130," Roemer said. With the addition of the C-17, India will have both of the aircraft that are considered the U.S. Air Force's work horses, Roemer noted. (Department of Defense photo/Master Sgt. Scott Wagers (Released)) |
|
