1 November 2024
C-17A partnership representatives from Australia, the United States, Canada, Kuwait, NATO, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom have gathered in Brisbane to discuss the sustainment of the C-17A Globemaster III fleet in support of Defence operations.
Hosted by RAAF’s Heavy Airlift Systems Program Office (HALSPO) from October 14 to 17, the C-17A Virtual Fleet Conference brought together partner nations to discuss the strategic use and development of the versatile military transport aircraft with a focus on opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The conference provided a rare opportunity to collaborate in person on matters of international significance to the platform.
Co-chaired by Officer Commanding HALSPO Group Captain Russell Barton and United States Air Force C-17 System Program Manager Colonel Scott Hall, the conference involved Defence officials, industry experts and aircrew from around the world.
The C-17A Globemaster III capability was formally introduced into Australian skies between 2006 and 2008 and is known for its unprecedented capacity for strategic airlift. It allows Australia to rapidly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.
Director General Airlift and Tanker Systems Air Commodore Jacqueline Churchill said the conference was an invaluable opportunity to network with Defence’s C-17A strategic partners.
“It was great to be able to meet with our C-17A international counterparts to discuss and share critical insights into how such a dynamic fleet operates across international waters,” Air Commodore Churchill said.
The discussions, in alignment with the priorities and strategic direction as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Defence Industry Development Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, addressed the need to develop the capability to meet the needs of the future defence force.
In closing the conference, Group Captain Barton said hosting partners in Brisbane was an opportunity to strengthen the way they worked together across the globe.
“The ADF gets exceptional value, efficiency and innovation opportunities by working together as one C-17A Virtual Fleet team with our international partners,” he said.
