The U.S. State Department has approved a sale to the United Kingdom covering sustainment support for the Royal Air Force’s fleet of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, with an estimated value of $861 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the certification to Congress on 26 August.
The request includes contractor logistics support, engine components, spare parts, modifications, computer program identification numbers, consumables, repair and return services, software, technical documentation, and both U.S. government and contractor engineering and logistics assistance.
According to the DSCA notice, “The proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force. Its C-17 aircraft fleet provides strategic airlift capabilities that directly support U.S. and coalition operations around the world.”
Washington stressed that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region but would reinforce a key NATO ally’s ability to project power and sustain operations. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the DSCA statement said.
The Royal Air Force currently operates eight C-17s, which form the backbone of the UK’s strategic airlift capability, regularly supporting global deployments and humanitarian operations.
The principal contractor for the sustainment package will be Boeing, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. DSCA noted that no offset agreements have been proposed at this stage and that implementation will not require the permanent stationing of additional U.S. government or contractor personnel in the UK.
The notice makes clearthat the description and dollar value reflect the highest estimated cost. Final figures will depend on negotiations and the eventual sales agreement.
8 is that all we have. I could say a lot more on this but what would be the point. Bye bye.
Pretty good number actually.
Considering we first only had 4, leased.
We now own 8.
I’ll take it.
Bye bye 👋
This shows why we get so little bang for the £60 billion we spend a year. $861 million for technical support for just 8 planes. This is why scrapping C130 was the right move and getting rid of C17 should be a serious consideration now A400M is meeting its performance requirements. Justin Bronk at RUSI has commented heavily on this.
These aircraft are of very little use in a European conflict and we don’t have the luxury of building the RAF around expeditionary warfare or wars of choice in Asia any more. We desperately need to atleast double the number of manned combat aircraft in Europe.
Seeing big service contracts but not a lot else by the MOD, yes logistics are vastly important but come on its all we seem to do. A whole 8 aircraft wow, sad state of affairs but no point commenting any more it will never get better. The top brass will simply say make do and mend and keep quite. Britain is ok in a war as long as we loose no kit as we have next to nothing in reserve. As long any enemy follow those rules we should be ok. 148 C3 tanks springs to mind, 14 Archer SPG’s, etc etc