Possible Buy Would Be First Ever US Military Aircraft For India

According to Reuters, US Air Force officials confirmed Friday India has sought purchase information for six Lockheed C-130J cargo planes. This would be the first purchase by India of a US military aircraft.

USAF spokesman Dewey Mitchell told Reuters the Indian defense ministry delivered the request to the US embassy in New Delhi, who sent it on to the Air Force's office of international affairs.

The request followed a visit to the country by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) representing US aviation interests, including defense contractors.

Mitchell said, "Consideration begins upon receipt of the request."

The C-130J is Lockheed's latest iteration of the US armed forces workhorse inter-theater airlifter. The aircraft is a four-engine turbo-prop design capable of operating from short/unimproved runways.

Lockheed gets about $70 million per copy depending on configuration at current list prices.

The C-130 is in use by all branches of the US armed services. Its many different variants are used for airlift, airdrop, aerial tanker, reconnaissance, command and control, SAR, special forces, aerial bombardment and close air support/attack roles, among others.

The current administration has cozied up to India of late hoping to cement closer ties with the country's armed forces in an apparent hedge against China.

As part of that effort, US defense contractors have been given the go ahead to compete for a multi-role fighter contract the New Delhi government is organizing.

Under consideration are the F-16 and F-18, both front line US military fighter aircraft.

FMI: www.state.gov, www.af.mil, www.lockheed.com, www.boeing.com