USAF awards Boeing a $3.4 billion contract under the C-17 programme
The agreement comprises support to the worldwide fleet of the C-17 (Photo – Boeing)
The company will provide support and sustainment for the C-17 weapon system for nine years and eight months.
The USAF on 27 September awarded Boeing an initial $3.4 billion contract under the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Programme.
The deal from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre comprises a period of nine years and eight months, consisting of three 12-month ordering periods, two 37-month options and a six-month option to extend services for a total maximum value of $23.7 billion.
Under this agreement, the company will provide support and sustainment services to the 'government product support manager/product support integrator for the C-17 weapon system', the DoD announced.
It includes programme management; sustaining logistics, material, equipment management and sustaining engineering; quality assurance; depot level aircraft maintenance and modifications; F117 propulsion system management; and long-term sustainment planning.
Field services, unique FMS customer services and Air Logistics Centre partnering support for the worldwide fleet of the C-17 aircraft are also part of the contract.
Work will be performed in multiple domestic and international locations and is expected to be completed by 30 May 2031, if all options are exercised.
The contract involves FMS funds for Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, Qatar, the UK and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the NATO Airlift Management Programme Office.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the C-17 Globemaster III features a high-wing, four-engine and a rear loading ramp. It can carry large combat equipment and troops or humanitarian aid across intercontinental distances directly to small austere airfields.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
-
![European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones]()
European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
