The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified congress of the possible sale of a sixth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to Australia for $300 million.
Canberra has requested the aircraft, up to four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 engines and a Northrop Grumman An/AAQ-24V (13) large aircraft infrared counter-measures (LAIRCM) system, the DSCA said. In addition, the deal will include spare parts, training, documentation and test equipment.
"Australia currently has a heavy airlift capability comprising five C-17As," the DSCA said.
"This additional C-17 will further improve Australia's capability to rapidly deploy on support of global coalition operations and will greatly enhanced its ability to lead regional humanitarian/peacekeeping operations."
The only other Asia Pacific nation to order the C-17 is India, which has ordered ten units.
Source: Flight International
