The United States government has authorized the sale of a logistics support package for the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fleet of C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft. This was detailed in one of the most recent notifications issued by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress for the approval of the transaction, valued at US$ 861 million and included under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.
According to information released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on August 26, the United Kingdom government requested the acquisition of a new support package from the United States for its C-17 Globemaster III fleet. The package, valued at more than US$ 800 million, includes the provision of equipment and contractor services for the fleet, with Boeing designated as the prime contractor.
As of today, and as a result of the experiences of the Falklands War—when the RAF had to operate with civilian aircraft for strategic transport missions due to the retirement of the Short Belfast in 1976 without a replacement—the force evaluated the acquisition of an aircraft of this type. However, it was not until the year 2000 that the United Kingdom leased a total of four C-17 Globemaster IIIs from the United States, which proved to be vital for subsequent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Later, in 2012, the purchase of a total of eight aircraft was finally ordered. These currently serve with No. 99 and No. XXIV Squadrons, based at RAF Brize Norton, carrying out military transport operations, humanitarian aid and assistance, and medical evacuations.
Highlighting the importance of the sale, the Department of State noted: “The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key NATO ally, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
They added: “The proposed sale will enhance the United Kingdom’s ability to meet current and future threats by ensuring the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force. Its C-17 fleet provides strategic airlift capabilities that directly support U.S. and coalition operations worldwide. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing these items and services into its Armed Forces.”
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