Kuwait Looking to Add Second C-17 Globemaster III Transport Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the United States congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of a single Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The value of the contract is estimated at $371 million.

The C-17 is a heavy transport aircraft with a maximum payload of 77000 kg. Besides Short Take-Off and Landing capability, the C-17 can also operate from unpaved runways.

If the deal is concluded, the contract provides Kuwait with:

• 1 Boeing C-17 transport aircraft
• 4 F117-PW-100 turbofan engines
• 1 AN/AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System
• 1 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Set (CMDS)
• secure radios
• precision navigation equipment
• spare and repair parts
• support and test equipment
• publications and technical documentation
• tactics manuals
• personnel training and training equipment
• US Government and contractor engineering
• aircraft ferry support
• aircraft fuel
• technical and logistics support services
• logistical and program support

The Kuwaiti Air Force had reportedly already ordered one C-17.

Besides Kuwait, the C-17 is already in service with 6 countries. They are Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The C-17 is also in service with NATO. India has ordered 10 C-17 aircraft in 2011. The first aircraft is currently conducting flight tests and is scheduled to be delivered sometime in 2013.


http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2013/Kuwait_13-14.doc.pdf

By U.S. Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons