The US Department of State has approved a potential $540-million sustainment package for Canada’s fleet of C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters. The agreement includes maintenance support equipment, spare parts, consumables, ground handling systems, accessories, and repair services intended to maintain the operational readiness of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s five C-17 aircraft. Boeing will serve as the principal contractor for the package. Introduced in the 1990s, the C-17 Globemaster III remains one of the world’s most capable heavy airlift platforms, supporting strategic transport, tactical airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, and rapid deployment missions. Capable of carrying more than 77,000 kilograms of cargo or up to 100 paratroopers, the aircraft is a critical asset for humanitarian response, Arctic operations, and allied military deployments. The sustainment agreement ensures Canada’s fleet remains mission-ready for long-term operational requirements.
