IAF's C-17 Globemaster-III makes its maiden flight to Andaman & Nicobar

The Indian Air Force's latest acquisition American strategic C-17 Globemaster-III made its maiden flight to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday.

Climbing an altitude of 28,000 feet with an un-refueled range of 2,400 nautical miles, the aircraft landed at Port Blair to induct the rotational Infantry Battalion into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Two more C-17 aircraft will be brought in within weeks. The aircraft are part of a fleet of 10 aircraft that are on order from Boeing. The C-17 will boost the IAF's long haul capability and will gradually replace the Russian Il-76.

The C-17 Globemaster-III is a heavy-lift transport military aircraft, developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). India has become the largest customer, of the aircraft, after the United States.