Article Posted on : - Nov 05, 2012

RAAF 5th C-17 Globemaster III. A Boeing photo.

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (BNS): Boeing has delivered the sixth Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster III.

The airlifter will be assigned to No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, where it will help meet increased demand for airlift to support military, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

The government of Australia announced its intent to buy a sixth airlifter during last year’s arrival ceremony for the RAAF's fifth C-17 and Boeing has delivered the aircraft less than five months later.

Boeing has delivered 248 C-17s worldwide, including 218 to the US Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 30 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India has 10 C-17s on order for delivery in 2013 and 2014.