UK to continue Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 3 July, 2014.
The UK Government has requested continued participation in the USAF/Boeing Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership which consists of support for the United Kingdom's fleet of eight Boeing C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, support equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $250 million.
The UK is a major political and economic power in NATO and a key democratic partner of the US in ensuring peace and stability in this region and around the world.
The continuation of this programme will ensure the UK can effectively maintain its current force projection capability that enhances interoperability with US forces. The support will provide UK with rapid global strategic mobility to deploy to austere locations. The UK is a staunch supporter of the US in Iraq and Afghanistan and in overseas contingency operations.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in Long Beach, California. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.