The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received its eighth C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from Boeing, completing the C-17A fleet requirement of the country.
The latest aircraft is a result of an order for two additional C-17A aircraft for an estimated cost of $1bn.
Australia Defence Materiel and Science Minister Mal Brough said: "With extraordinary lift and range, the C-17A Globemaster is an integral part of the Australian Defence Force’s airlift capability.
"It allows Australia to rapidly deploy troops, combat equipment, tanks, helicopters and humanitarian resources worldwide."
The C-17 Globemaster III is a military tactical transport aircraft, designed to perform the rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases worldwide.
Powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, the aircraft will also be capable of conducting tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies said: "The C-17A Globemaster is an incredibly versatile aircraft.
"It allows us to provide an air bridge from Australia with supplies to the men and women deployed around the world, support Army operations, and assist at home with disaster relief such as the Queensland floods."
The RAAF received its seventh C-17A aircraft from Boeing in July this year.
Apart from the RAAF, the aircraft is also operated by air forces in the US, India, UAE, Canada, Qatar, the UK and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of Nato and Partnership for Peace nations.
Image: The RAAF’s eighth C-17A Globemaster arrives at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo: courtesy of CPL Shannon McCarthy / Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.
