FIRST OF TEN: Boeing has delivered the first of 10 C-17 Globemaster III airlifters destined for the Indian air force (IAF). India’s first C-17 will now enter a U.S. Air Force flight test program at Edwards AFB in Palmdale, Calif., a senior Boeing official said Jan. 23. India signed a $4.1 billion contract with the U.S. in 2011 to acquire the aircraft, making the country the largest C-17 export customer. The two governments finalized the Foreign Military Sales contract for the aircraft last June.

NEW DELHI — More than 600 defense and civil aircraft makers from across the globe are expected to display their products at the ninth edition of Aero India, which begins Feb. 6 in Bengaluru in southern India. “The five-day biennial air show provides an ideal window of opportunity to companies to not only network with Indian industries but also benefit from the sharing of expertise in research and development and product support with other global players,” says Indian Defense Production Secretary R.K. Mathur.

NEW DELHI — Russian Helicopters will showcase its light multipurpose Ka-226T helo, which is a contender to fulfill the Indian defense ministry’s requirement for surveillance and reconnaissance helicopters, at the ninth edition of Aero India, which begins Feb. 6 at Bengaluru in southern India. India wants to purchase 197 light helicopters — 133 for the Army and 64 for the Indian air force.