IN PHOTOS: Indian Air Force greets the 'Hulk'

The Indian Air Force Wednesday flew its first heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft Boeing C-17 Globemaster III to home, becoming the newest operator of the leading airlifter.

"The C-17 will equip the Indian Air Force with amongst the world's most advanced humanitarian and strategic capabilities," said Air Vice Marshal SRK Nair, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Transport and Helicopters).

"We have looked forward to this day when our Indian Air Force flies the first C-17 to its new home in India," he said in a statement issued by the Boeing, manufacturer of C-17.

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Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014, the statement said.

This first aircraft was transferred Wednesday after completion of a flight test programme at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, California, that began following the January 22 delivery.

"Congratulations to the Indian Air Force on this milestone as India joins the worldwide community of C-17 operators," said Tommy Dunehew, Boeing vice president of Business Development for Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement.

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Noting that nations turn to the C-17 for the capability to perform a wide range of operations, from peacekeeping and disaster relief to troop movements from semi-prepared airfields, Dunehew said this aircraft will provide the Indian Air Force with the versatility to augment airlift capability.

With this, Boeing has now delivered 254 C-17s, including 222 to the US Air Force and a total of 32 C-17s to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.