Australia considers buying 5th C-17

Australia is having thoughts on getting a fifth C-17 transport plane, Defense Minister Stephen Smith said.

“Given the significant work that is being undertaken by our current fleet of C-17 aircraft in support of operations, including recent disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and the unpredictable nature of some of these events, we are considering the acquisition of an additional C-17 aircraft now to provide Australia with a wider range of options to support such operations,” he said.