Australia Orders Another C-17

Air Force Magazine Online reports Australia has signed the agreement with the US government to acquire a fifth C-17 transport via a foreign military sale, announced C-17 manufacturer Boeing. Boeing delivered Australia's four C-17s between 2006 and 2008.

"Boeing thanks the RAAF, a C-17 customer since 2006, for its confidence in the airlifter's capabilities," said Bob Ciesla, C-17 program manager for Boeing. "We salute the RAAF and its crews, who helped save lives in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. We are proud to serve as their partner." Already this year, RAAF C-17s have supported disaster-relief efforts in Japan and New Zealand as well as at home after floods ravaged parts of Queensland.

The additional airframe will bolster the Royal Australian Air Force's ability to support international humanitarian-support and disaster-relief missions. Due to the RAAF's pressing need for more airlift capacity, the US Air Force has approved Australia's request to receive the new C-17 in August, according to Boeing. The aircraft will be assigned to RAAF Base Amberley, near Brisbane, home of 36 Squadron, which operates the country's C-17 force.