Australian has begun process to purchase two additional Boeing C-17A Globemaster strategic airlifters, Defence Minister Senator David Johnst...
The addition will augment Royal Australian Air Force’s capacity for operational tasks, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in the region and around the world.
RAAF’s C-17A Globemasters are operated by Number 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, which were first delivered in 2006.
Australia has also requested pricing and availability data for two further aircraft through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Siting lack of enough international orders and uncertainty caused by U.S. military budget cuts, Boeing in Sept. 2013, announced it plan to close C-17 production line in 2015. Boeing said it will produce 13 white tailed C-17s without firm orders, which it expects to sell to existing customers. Other than Australia, India has expressed interest to add C-17s to its current order for 10.
The C-17A Globemaster is a high-wing four-engine heavy transport aircraft capable of rapidly deploying troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world. It is capable to operate from austere and semi prepared runways and can descend steeply.
