Abbott Government to spend $500 million on two new Boeing C-17 heavy-lift transport jets

EXCLUSIVE: The Abbott Government is bolstering our war chest, spending $500 million on two additional Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport jets.

THE Abbott Government has cleared the way to spend $500 million on two additional Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport jets for the air force.

The United States Congress has approved the sale under the Foreign Military Sales program — an essential requirement for purchase — and the huge new planes will roll off the production line at Long Beach in California within a few months.

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New planes ... the United States Congress has approved the sale under the Foreign Military Sales program. Picture: Supplied.

This will bring the total number of the $250 million strategic heavy lift jets in service with the RAAF’s Number 36 Squadron at Amberley near Brisbane to eight.

Defence Minister David Johnston will announce the plan today (FRI) and while a final decision has not been taken by Cabinet that appears to be a formality.

Boosting numbers ... the purchase will take Australia’s strategic heavy lift jets numbers to eight. Picture: News Corp Australia.

The minister said the two extra Globemasters would “significantly enhance” the RAAF’s capacity for operational tasks, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in our region and around the world.

“Since the first delivery in 2006, we have seen the C-17A Globemaster perform exceptionally well at the forefront of Australia’s military operations and humanitarian work,” Senator Johnston said yesterday.

“Recent global events have seen Australia’s national capabilities like the C-17A come to the fore to assist our friends and allies.”

Grand purchase ... the C17 Globemaster at an International Airshow. Picture: News Corp Australia.

The RAAF was in danger of missing out on the additional heavy lifters with just 10 so-called “white tail” aircraft available before Boeing’s Long Beach plant shuts down permanently next year. “White tail” means an aircraft with no buyer.

It is understood that several countries, including some oil rich Middle Eastern nations, have expressed strong interest in purchasing the last of what is fast becoming a legend of the skies.

“Australia has requested pricing information but no order has been received,” a well-placed industry source said.

“There is a lot of interest in the aircraft and the RAAF could miss out.”

The RAAF and the government have been impressed by the variety of missions the aircraft have flown from ferrying the prime minister to war zones, delivering aid to tsunami hit Japan, carrying the victims of the MH-17 tragedy to delivering weapons to Kurdish forces in northern Iraq and resupplying forces in Afghanistan.

Heavy load ... the 53-metre long aircraft can carry 77-tonnes of cargo in its 26-metre long cargo. Picture: Supplied.

The air force operates six of the huge planes with 36 Squadron at Amberley near Brisbane. They were purchased under a rapid acquisition scheme from a US air force production run.

The 53-metre long aircraft can carry 77-tonnes of cargo in its 26-metre long cargo hold up to an including an Abrams main battle tank and can operate from short, unsealed runways.

It can also lift Black Hawk, Seahawk or Chinook helicopters, three Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters, five Bushmaster armoured infantry vehicles or 130 fully equipped troops.

Cargo hold ... the air force alrerady operates six of the huge planes with 36 Squadron at Amberley near Brisbane. Picture: Gary Ramage.

“The ability to rapidly react and move large elements of Australia’s support systems over long distances during these times has highlighted the need for us to have a good sized fleet,” Senator Johnston said.