Boeing delivers C17 Globemaster III Warplane to India

California: Boeing has delivered the Second C17 Globemaster III Warplane to  India.

The head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, took the delivery of the aircraft in the U.S. state of California Monday, Boeing said in a statement.

“Our first C-17 Globemaster III not only signifies a tremendous boost in our strategic airlift capability, but also is poised to form a major component in the Indian Air Force’s modernization drive,” Browne was quoted as saying in the Boeing release.

The Indian Air Force chief added, “I wish to place on record my appreciation to the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force and the Boeing team for the timely delivery of the aircraft that makes the Indian Air Force the world’s second-largest operator of the C-17 after the U.S.”

India had last month got the delivery of its first C-17 aircraft from Boeing. Three more planes are to be delivered this year and another five in 2014.

“C-17s have an important role in supporting unique Indian Air Force operations in remote locations such as the Himalayas and desert environments. The C-17 provides the versatility to complete any mission, anywhere. We look forward to working with the Indian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force as we deliver the remainder of India’s fleet,” Boeing’s vice president Nan Bouchard said.