A new NATO Airlift Management Organization (NAMO) is looking to spend upward of $700 million for C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.
The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) requests a possible sale of two Boeing [BA] C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, four Turbofan F117-PW-100 engines installed on each aircraft (eight total engines), AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS), AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System, Government Furnished Equipment, spare and repairs parts, pyrotechnics, flares, other explosives, Global Positioning System security devices, crew armor, mission planning system software, COMSEC equipment and support, supply support, training equipment and support, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support, according to DSCA.
Additional contractors include Pratt & Whitney [UTX] and United Technologies Corp. [UTX].
Additional subcontractors may be needed depending on the exact nature of the contracting arrangements established, DSCA said.
The international consortium made up of allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), together with Sweden and Finland, will purchase, own, and manage the aircraft. A multinational military unit to be named the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) will conduct airlift operations, DSCA said.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of NATO and further weapon system standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. NATO is transitioning to an expanded global role, increasing the share of its burden in the Global War on Terrorism, specifically for out-of-area operations. NATO allies have agreed to increase the capability, usability, and deployability of their forces, transforming them from their Cold War territorial defense roles. This expanded role includes peacekeeping and stability operations, as well as disaster relief around the globe. The C-17 will partially serve NATO’s agreed military requirement for eight C-17 equivalents to rapidly deploy a force around the globe, including the NATO Response Force (NRF). Furthermore, member nations will be able to execute strategic airlift missions in support of national objectives, or to fulfill national contributions to multi-nation missions. This capability provides consortium member nations with an organic capability that complements global reach efforts supported by the U.S. Air Force, DSCA added.
NATO does not currently have a heavy airlift capability and must rely on outside sources for its military airlift needs. This assistance normally takes the form of either U.S. Air Force airlift or contract carriers that use Russian heavy airlift aircraft. The procurement of C-17s will increase interoperability with the U.S. Air Force airlift system and will enhance relationships with SAC members, DSCA said.
This proposed sale will require Boeing to establish a facility at Papa AB, Hungary, to provide C-17 logistics support under the current Globemaster Support Partnership. The proposed plan will require approximately seven of the personnel to be U.S. citizens and seven personnel to be local hires. Approximately 50 United States Air Force personnel will be stationed with the SAC HAW at Papa AB.