Washington: The US State Department on Friday decided to approve a possible foreign military sale to India of the C-17 aircraft's follow-on support at an estimated cost of USD 670 million.
An official statement from Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said, "India needs this follow-on support to maintain its operational readiness and ability to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief assistance in the region. India will have no difficulty absorbing this support into its armed forces."
The agency stated that India had requested to buy equipment for C-17 follow-on support, including spares and repair parts, support equipment, training equipment, publications and technical documentation, support and test equipment, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
DSCA added, "The deal would improve the mobility capabilities of a major defensive partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region."
The agency delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress of this possible sale on July 26. However, the notification of the potential sale does mean the sale has been concluded.
According to DSCA, the implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of one US representative and 23 contractor representatives to India.
Boeing's C-17 is a massive long-haul military transport aircraft that can carry large equipment, supplies, and troops.
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