The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) hosted a signing ceremony for the Foreign Military Sale of contract support for the United Kingdom's fleet of eight C-17 Globemaster III Strategic Lift aircraft on August 31, 2021, at DSCA Headquarters.
The C-17 delivers Royal Air Force elements and equipment to all of the United Kingdom’s theatres of operation, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Most recently, RAF C-17 aircraft played a key role in Operation PITTING, enabling the timely evacuation of Afghan and British nationals from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Richard Murray, Director Air Support at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the British Ministry of Defence's procurement arm, said: "I am delighted that the UK's C-17 fleet will continue to receive exceptional, highly specialized support over the next five years. Recent global events have demonstrated just how important the C-17 fleet is to defense, and this new support agreement means C-17 can continue providing uninterrupted service anywhere in the world where it is needed."
DSCA Deputy Director Jed Royal said that the British C-17 program highlights the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“In a practical sense it ensures strategic airlift capability, and seamless operations between our countries for years to come. On a different level, it also typifies how dedicated both countries have been to ensuring that our mutual defense cooperation is as seamless as possible in all areas,” said Royal.