Stating that India and the United States are witnessing a defining phase in their relationship, which has been spurred by a convergence of interests, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne said that both nations are the world's two largest democracies and share common values of freedom and peaceful co-existence, besides cooperation on a wide range of issues.
Speaking after receiving the second C-17 Globemaster for the Indian Air Force, the delivery which marks an important milestone in the Indo-U.S. global strategic partnership, Air Chief Marshal Browne said that the complementary strengths of India and United States provide a solid foundation for developing mutually beneficial strategic responses in the 21st century.
"Close bilateral military engagements form a crucial element in this global partnership. The growing defence cooperation has fostered greater understanding and appreciation about our commonalities as well as unique security imperatives," he said.
He described the C-17 Globemaster programme as an excellent example of the India-U.S.multi-dimensional relationship.
"The programme re-affirms our faith in strong bilateral ties and productive exchanges. The Globemaster was specifically chosen to address Indian capability enhancement needs. As you are aware, the IAF has undertaken a major modernisation drive, fully aligned with its mandate of providing critical capabilities to our nation. The enhancement in IAF's operational potential will enable us to secure our national interests and protect our people," Air Chief Marshal Browne said.
"Following the successful induction and operationalisation of C-130 J Super Hercules, the procurement of 10 C-17 aircraft will provide a tremendous boost to our strategic airlift capability. I am told that the Globemaster project will make IAF the second largest operator in the world after the United States," he added.
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He said that the C-17 brings with it a proven track record and significant combat capabilities.
"The platform's ability to rapidly deploy at long distances with large pay loads gives the Indian Air Force tremendous flexibility in supporting our combat operations. The enhanced reach and versatility will support operations in an extremely challenging terrain that spans from Himalayas in the north where we have bases at an altitude of 11000-13000 feet to Indian Ocean region in the South. With its ability to operate from short landing strips, the aircraft will also be a crucial enabler in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) within our borders and beyond," he said.
"I wish to place on record my appreciation for the U.S. Government for facilitating the Globemaster programme. I thank them for critical support and oversight that assisted in expeditious completion of the process. I also thank USAF for providing comprehensive training to our crew. The training for 20 pilots and 10 loadmasters has been completed successfully. The project will see a total of 30 pilots, 15 loadmasters and 96 technicians being trained on all aspects of operations and maintenance. The exposure to CONOPS and operational indoctrination by USAF will contribute immensely in early operationalisation of the fleet," Air Chief Marshal Browne said.
He also complimented Boeing for honouring the delivery schedule and ensuring a fast track induction plan.
The company is scheduled to deliver three more C-17s this year and remaining five in 2014.
Air Chief Marshal Browne is on a four day visit to the United States of America at the invitation of General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Browne is scheduled to hold talks with senior military leadership of the country including General Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, General Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, Commander, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and is likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues on the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries towards strengthening the growing US-India Security and Defence relationship.
His itinerary also includes a visit to the U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Maryland and the U.S. Space Command located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.
Air Chief Marshal Browne is visiting the United States after 26 years. He graduated from Air Command and Staff College, Alabama in 1987.