The "Baby Herc" is even more nimble in touch and go terrians
Posted on 11/04/2007 6:53:51 PM PST by Arjun
NEW DELHI: In what will be the biggest defence deal with US till now, India is now firmly moving ahead to seal the contract for acquiring six C-130J 'Super Hercules' military transport planes for "special operations" at a cost of around $1 billion.
Defence ministry sources said the FMS (foreign military sale) contract — a government-to-government arrangement — for the C-130Js will be concluded "soon" since it had been catered for in the ongoing defence budget. "We are closely studying the offer after the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified the American Congress in May. The contract will be signed within this fiscal," said a source.
While the Left has managed to stymie the civilian nuclear deal, the UPA government has signalled that the Indo-US defence cooperation will continue unhindered despite opposition from CPM and CPI.
As earlier reported by TOI, the Indian and American armed forces have held as many as 50 joint military exercises in the last six-seven years to build "interoperability". In sharp contrast, India has held just a handful of exercises with Russia, the largest defence supplier to Indian armed forces by far.
And now, the US is aggressively trying to grab a huge chunk of the lucrative defence market in India. Talking about the impending C-130J sale to India, US said it will strengthen the bilateral "strategic relationship", which continues to be "an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress" in South Asia.
On their part, IAF officers say the C-130Js, the latest version of Hercules with four powerful engines and greater payload-carrying capacity, will enhance India's rapid reaction capabilities.
The aircraft, which can even land on makeshift airstrips due to its rugged nature, will be used primarily for covert airlift missions for special forces. India has requested four Rolls Royce AE-2100D3 spare engines, eight AAR-47 missile warning systems, eight AN/ALR-56M advanced radar warning receivers among other equipment.
The "Baby Herc" is even more nimble in touch and go terrians
Why should they pick an Italian-made aircraft over an American-made aircraft?
I have been beating that drum for years. No one listens
Whats amazing is that this is just the beginning.
we aint seen nothing yet!
The Indian defence budget will double in 4-5 years. The possibilities are endless.
The Indian defense budget is huge! And they are a a perfect ally.
I cant get anyone to listen to me, Ive been all around trying to sell this marriage
The only hitch is that some of India is communist.
For the most part They are tolerant, and I think we have mutual interests
I believe that Hercules is purely a British designation, but for a gigabuck, they can call them Shiva for all I care.
Groovy aint it? ;0)
Watch out for general elections next year. If the CIA has any influence in India I hope they try to get the communists to lose. Thats the happiest outcome for all.
They’re probably going to use them for passenger planes and stuff 400 people in each one.
I’d like to see India come aboard the freedom train.
They are a bit pansy and reflective at times but they are smart and able bodied people. witness the Ghurkas
L0L! It could happen
Whats going on in Bhutan?
I havent heard shit about Burma
Pakistan is in a throwdown. India is a moderating force in the region
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
