INDIA SIGNED DEFENCE DEAL WORTH 4.1 BILLIN USD FOR C-17 PLANES

India has signed its biggest defence deal with the US to procure ten C-17 heavy-lift aircraft for USD 4.1 billion under which American defence major Boeing will set up test facilities for hi-tech aeronautics engines for the DRDO.

The project to procure the ten strategic heavy-lift aircraft was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security last week through the Foreign Military Sales route.

"India yesterday signed the letter for offer and acceptance with the US for 10 C-17s and associated equipment at a cost of USD 4.1 billion and the aircraft delivery would be done in 2013 and 2014," Defence Ministry officials said here.

Commenting on the development, Boeing's India head Dinesh Keskar said, "With its strategic capabilities, the C-17 fulfills India's needs for military and humanitarian airlift.