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Journalism of Courage
India and US are going ahead with their largest-ever defence deal for ten C 17 Globemaster III aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) that has been pegged at an astonishing $5.8 billion. While the possible deal to supply heavy lift transport aircraft was made public in January,this is the first time that the US has announced the cost of the contract.
While the C 17 is considered an ideal platform by the IAF to carry loads to forward landing bases and high altitude areas,the price quoted by the US has left many experts surprised.
At over $ 580 million,a single heavy lift transport aircraft would cost the IAF more than what a dozen of the latest
Su 30 MKI fighters come for.
However,the US embassy has said that the actual cost of the deal has not yet been negotiated. Although the official notification to Congress lists the potential value as $5.8 billion,this represents the highest possible estimate for the sale and includes all potential services offered. The actual cost will be based on Indian Air Force requirements and has yet to be negotiated, a statement by the US Embassy said after the US Congress was notified about the deal.
