The US State Department has approved the potential foreign military sale for sustainment support of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
The $861-million package involves engine components, parts, and accessories; major and minor modifications; computer program identification numbers; as well as spare parts, consumables, and accessories.
It also includes support regarding repair and return, classified and unclassified software delivery, documentation, along with relevant logistics and program services, with Boeing as the contractor.
The potential foreign military sale highlights the aircraft’s critical role in maintaining strategic airlift capabilities vital to the UK and US coalitions globally.
Strategic Airlift Role
The long-range, heavy-lift C-17 military transport aircraft has been used for rapid global mobility, enabling the transport of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid.
It has a payload capacity of up to 45,360 kilograms (100,000 pounds) over 4,500 miles (7,242 kilometers) at altitudes above 30,000 feet (9,144 meters), according to the RAF.
London flew it to carry and deliver humanitarian aid to support civilians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as send military aid to Ukraine.
It is also used to enhance interoperability with allies, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US, during joint military activities.
In July, a US C-17 military transport aircraft was observed flying from a US Air Force Base to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, reportedly transferring several B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs to the UK.
