Boeing delivered the Indian Air Force’s fourth C-17 transport, announced the company. The aircraft departed Boeing’s assembly plant in Long Beach, Calif., on Oct. 19, according to the company’s Oct. 24 release. The Indians are on track to receive five of the 10 C-17s they have on order by year’s end, states the release. The remaining five are scheduled for delivery in 2014. Earlier this month, the IAF used its C-17s to support relief efforts after Cyclone Phailin, according to Boeing. The storm caused heavy flooding in eastern India. India received its first C-17 in June, second in July, and third in August. With this newest delivery, Boeing said it has now supplied 258 C-17s to the United States and international customers. (See also US, India Consider C-17 Exchange and End of the Line.)
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.