INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years
"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"
Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.
India's first C-17 Globemaster-III takes shape
Report / Photos: SP's Special Correspondent
Location: Long Beach, California
Ambassador N. Parthasarathi addressing the audience
Guests and dignitaries at the 'major join' ceremony of
India's first C-17
Indian Air Attache, Air Commodore Sanjay Nimesh, Indian
Embassy, Washington at the Boeing facility
Indian Air Attache, Air Commodore Sanjay Nimesh, Indian
Embassy, Washington at the Boeing facility
August 03, 2012: The fruit of India's single largest defence contract yet with Washington took shape this week at Boeing's big military aircraft facility in Long Beach, California, with tail section, fuselage and forward section of the first C-17 Globemaster III for the Indian Air Force ceremonially riveted together in the presence of senior diplomats, politicians and Boeing brass.
Ambassador N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India, San Francisco said, “This momentous occasion, where we see India’s first C-17 take shape, further strengthens our growing relationship. As India strives to become a global reservoir of highly skilled and technologically sophisticated manpower, we will witness an escalating technology transfer, collaborative joint research and development, and co-production of defence items between our two countries."
Twenty IAF pilots and 10 logisticians/loadmasters are currently at the United States Air Force (USAF) base in Altus, Oklahoma, being trained on C-17 flying and loading operations. The first of ten Indian C-17s, contracted at a cost of just over $4.1-billion—making it the largest defence contract between the two countries so far—is on schedule for delivery to India in June 2013. The ten aircraft are to be based at the Hindon Air Force station from which operations are slated to enter full tempo by the end of 2014 when deliveries are completed.
While it is well known that the C-17 foreign military sales (FMS) does not contain an options clause, former IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik revealed last year that the service was considering at least six more aircraft. A decision on such a follow on order, however, will only be taken once deliveries begin next year. However, there is a catch. The Indian Government will need to take a decision no later than late next year, since Boeing, having completed deliveries to the USAF by that time, and assuming there are no fresh international orders, will begin to wind down the facility.
 Indian Air Attache, Air Commodore Sanjay Nimesh at the ceremonial rivet ceremony |
 The first IAF C-17 comes together at major join ceremony |
 Landing gear of India's first C-17 |
 The first IAF C-17 comes together at major join ceremony |
 The first IAF C-17 comes together at major join ceremony |
 The first IAF C-17 comes together at major join ceremony |
SP's Aviation - Current Issue
