It is the first of seven refurbished C-130Hs, tactical transport aircraft decommissioned by Belgium, that are supposed to be delivered to the Pakistan Air Force.
The proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security by helping to strengthen US-India strategic relationship, US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said.
A simulator for the aircraft had been installed in 2012, but could not be used for training because IAF & manufacturer couldn’t finalise a usage contract.
For an industry globally classified as hazardous, protections such as health insurance and a provident fund for workers are necessities. In Sivakasi, they remain elusive.
The industry forecasts exports are set to grow 16% in 2025-26, boosted by surplus domestic production and a drive to push into 26 underserved global markets with strong potential.
Indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 percent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
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