NEW DELHI — User trials for India’s future main battle tank, the Arjun Mk. II Phase I, will begin in June, and the first batch of the advanced variant should be ready by 2014. Two regiments of the Arjun Mk. I are already deployed in India’s western sector of Rajasthan by the army, and a further order for 124 tanks has been placed with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

NEW DELHI — India is likely to give the final approval this month for the purchase of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transports from the U.S. “India’s defense deal with the United States for the 10 giant strategic airlift aircraft is in its final stages,” Indian air force spokesman Wing Commander T.K. Singha tells Aviation Week. “We are awaiting an approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. It is expected to happen soon.” Final Approval

The commercial aviation industry is likely to see growth slow in 2011 compared with strong growth last year, say aerospace and defense analysts at PriceWaterhouse Coopers. “Some economic signals are mixed. Oil prices have recently increased as a result of unrest in the Middle East and are expected to remain high, with the global economic recovery eroding airline profits,” according to the latest PwC Aerospace & Defense 2010 year in review and 2011 forecast.