Article Posted on : - Mar 01, 2011

The C-17A Globemaster of RAAF. An official photo

CANBERRA (BNS): Australia is planning to acquire an additional C-17A Globemaster III heavy lift transport aircraft from the US, the country’s Defence Minister has said.

Australia has sent a Letter of Request to the US regarding the potential purchase of the additional C-17A through the Foreign Military Sales programme, formally seeking cost and availability information, Defence Minister Stephen Smith said Tuesday.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) presently operates four C-17A aircraft which were delivered to it between 2006 and 2008. The first airlifter was operational in 2007.

Smith said that acquisition of an additional C-17 “would almost certainly obviate any need for the acquisition of two additional C-130 aircraft, currently planned for after 2013-14.”

The C-17 Globemasters of RAAF have been supporting the Australian and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East besides carrying out humanitarian operations.

Following receipt of cost and availability information from the US, the Government will make a decision about purchase based on capability, cost and schedule assessments of an additional C-17, Smith said.