The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received its fifth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter, which will further extend the RAAF’s global airlift reach.

The delivery follows an agreement signed between the Commonwealth of Australia and the US government in April 2011.

The C-17 aircraft will further improve Australia’s rapid deployment capability in support of global coalition operations and will also enhance its ability to perform humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

The country currently operates four C-17As, based at RAAF Base Amberley, to provide heavy airlift capability and transport combat-ready troops for missions in remote locations.