US approves Canadian CC-177A sustainment package

The US State Department announced on December 1 that it has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Canada of sustainment equipment for its Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III fleet.

Approval of the potential deal, worth an estimated US$275m, was announced in a media release by the US State Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), after it had notified the US Congress. The sustainment deal includes support for aircraft hardware and software modifications; software delivery and support; component, parts and accessories; GPS receivers; ground handling and alternative mission equipment; publications and technical documentation. It also covers contractor logistics support and allows Canada to participate in the Globemaster III Sustainment Program (G3).

CC-177A [RCAF/Sgt Jean-François Lauzé] #1
A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III, serial 177702, lands in Hall Beach, Nunavut, to deliver equipment and personnel to the region during Operation NUNALIVUT in February 2017. RCAF/Sgt Jean-François Lauzé

In the media release, the DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the [US] by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress, and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world.”

It added that the deal will improve Canada’s ability to meet current and future threats by further sustaining its strategic airlift capabilities. It “allows Canada to maintain sovereignty and homeland defence, increase interoperability with the [US] and other partners, and deter potential adversaries.”

Boeing, operating from Chicago, Illinois, will be the principal contractor for this possible FMS. No offset agreements have been proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operates a fleet of five CC-177 Globemaster IIIs, which are employed by the 429 Transport Squadron ‘Bisons’ from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton in Ontario.