Australia to boost fleet of C-17 airlifters

Australia plans to acquire additional Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transports from the United States to boost strategic airlift capability.

The decision, which would boost the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of C-17s from six to eight, was announced by the Office of the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.

"The acquisition of the two additional C-17s -- and associated equipment and facilities -- represents an investment of $1 billion [about U.S. $770 million] in Australia's security and the ability of the Australian Defense Force to respond to a range of contingencies," it said. "This project will also provide significant work opportunities for local industry."

Part of that investment will be for upgraded facilities at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The upgrades will include a dedicated maintenance hangar and increased apron and taxi-way space.

"The two additional C-17s will provide vital heavy airlift support to a range of regional and global coalition operations and greatly increase Australia's capacity to provide rapid and effective disaster rescue and relief and humanitarian aid," the statement said.