RAAF completes C-17 fleet

RAAF officially welcomed its newest aircraft into service at Amberley today, completing its fleet of C-17s.

On 2 November, the eighth C-17A Globemaster III – A41-212 – transport aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force touched down at its home of RAAF Base Amberley, completing its delivery flight from the United States ahead of today’s formal ceremony.

The acquisition of two additional Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft and associated equipment and facilities was a $1 billion extra investment in Australia’s ability to provide vital heavy airlift to a range of global military operations.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies said the Royal Australian Air Force was part of the global fleet of C-17A Globemasters, including the global sustainment system that delivered improved interoperability with our coalition partners.

“The C-17A Globemaster is an incredibly versatile aircraft. It allows us to provide an air bridge from Australia with supplies to the men and women deployed around the world, support Army operations, and assist at home with disaster relief such as the Queensland floods,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“Additional aircraft mean we can better meet the demands of moving personnel and equipment within the short timeframes required in emergency situations, such as floods and cyclones.”

Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Mal Brough said that with extraordinary lift and range, the C-17A Globemaster was an integral part of the Australian Defence Force’s airlift capability.

“It allows Australia to rapidly deploy troops, combat equipment, tanks, helicopters and humanitarian resources worldwide,” Mr Brough said.

“The C-17A Globemaster has played a central role in the ADF’s activities, including supporting the international effort to combat Daesh in Iraq and Syria, recovering the victims of the MH-17 tragedy in the Ukraine, and delivering disaster relief to victims of the Vanuatu cyclone and Queensland floods.”

 

Australia has worked closely with the United States Air Force to acquire the additional operating capability within a short timeframe.

Australia’s fleet of C-17As now stands at eight.

 

 

 

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