LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 26, 2011 — The government of Australia on Sept. 26 announced its intent to procure a sixth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. Boeing today issued the following statement:

“Boeing is incredibly pleased by the confidence shown by the Australian government in the unique airlift capabilities provided by the C-17 Globemaster III. Australia is widely recognized for its role as a leader in the Asia-Pacific region, for its support of allied military operations, and for its crucial role in humanitarian missions around the globe. The presence of Australia’s C-17 aircraft at hotspots around the world is demonstrative of the country’s role as a valued ally and global partner.

“This announcement was made as the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fifth C-17 arrived in Australia after being delivered at Boeing’s Long Beach facility on Sept. 14. This Foreign Military Sale allows the RAAF to further expand its C-17 fleet to meet increased demand for military and humanitarian airlift missions.

“We look forward to working with the Commonwealth of Australia to bring this aircraft to contract and are ready to build the RAAF’s sixth C-17 airlifter with the same speed and quality standards as the five airlifters before it.”

Source and photo: Boeing