Australia weighs possibility of buying more C-17s

CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Australia has started the process to procure two more C-17 Globemaster II aircraft from the United States to boost the country's airlift capabilities.

According to Minister for Defense David Johnston Australia has requested pricing and availability data from the United States for the planes, which would be procured under the Foreign Military Sales program.

Australia currently has six of the Boeing-made aircraft, which it has used in humanitarian operations.

"Since the first delivery in 2006, we have seen the C-17A Globemaster perform exceptionally well at the forefront of Australia's military operations and humanitarian work," he said.

"The ability to rapidly react and move large elements of Australia's support systems over long distances during these times has highlighted the need for us to have a good sized fleet.

"The aircraft is also currently supporting Australian and Coalition forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, providing a military long-range, strategic heavy airlift capability between Australia and the world," he said.

Although the government is specifically looking at acquiring two of the transport aircraft, as many as four could be purchased, according to a ministry announcement.