By Ranjan Bhaduri
July 29, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Pentagon may not be further interested in placing orders for more Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft but the aircraft manufacturer is hopeful that it may bag orders from other countries in the near future for the popular model. It is in talks with other countries like South Africa now.

The deal is yet to be finalized. The government of South Africa decided to withdraw from A400M military transport aircraft buying program owing to spiralling acquisition costs and delay in delivery last year. Then the US government suggested that the government of South Africa might consider the models like Lockheed Martin C-130J super Hercules as well as the popular Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The talks are in the early stages now and it may take some time before formal announcements are made.

Boeing is keeping its options open for the C17. It is also approaching the UK Ministry of Defence. Even The Asian countries like India are being approached by the company with an eye to sell more C17 crafts. India had placed orders for 10 planes earlier. The planes have been extensively used in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years. Boeing is interested in selling the model in countries belonging to the Asian-Pacific region as well as the Middle East.

Boeing is upbeat about the future of the c17 cargo aircraft and the model has a solid track record. The countries that are revamping their air force arsenal are likely to place order for such models and the company thinks it will continue to sell well in the next few years.