Article Posted on : - Jan 08, 2010

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifter. Boeing Photo.

ST. LOUIS (BNS): Boeing and UAE have signed a defence contract for the procurement of six Boeing C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifters for its armed forces.

According to a news release by Boeing, UAE is the second Middle East nation to order the airlifter.

"The C-17 will give UAE the ability to perform a variety of humanitarian and strategic lift operations around the world in support of both national and international missions. These missions require us to be ready for any contingency at any time and any place, and the C-17 meets our requirements," said Major General Staff Pilot Faris Mohamed Al Mazrouei, as reported in the release.

Boeing will provide support for the UAE C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. The advanced airlifter can carry large combat equipment and troops or humanitarian aid without any hindrance.

UAE will take delivery of four C-17s in 2011 and two in 2012.