Editing Boeing C-17 Globemaster III (section)

==Operational history==
===United States Air Force===
[[File:C-17 aircraft over over the Blue Ridge Mountains 2005.jpg|thumb|USAF C-17s fly over the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] in the eastern U.S., December 2005.]]

The first production C-17 was delivered to [[Charleston Air Force Base]], South Carolina, on 14 July 1993. The first C-17 unit, the [[17th Airlift Squadron]], became operationally ready on 17 January 1995.<ref name=nort_units>Norton 2001, pp. 94–95.</ref> It has broken 22 records for oversized payloads.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2001/q4/nr_011128n.htm "Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Claims 13 World Records."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415163714/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2001/q4/nr_011128n.htm |date=15 April 2012}} ''Boeing'', 28 November 2001.</ref> The C-17 was awarded U.S. aviation's most prestigious award, the [[Collier Trophy]], in 1994.<ref>[http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=150 "Collier Trophy, 1990–1999 winners."]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528193410/http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=150 |date=28 May 2008}} ''National Aeronautic Association''. Retrieved: 1 April 2010.</ref> A Congressional report on operations in Kosovo and [[Operation Allied Force]] noted "One of the great success stories...was the performance of the Air Force's C-17A"<ref>Department of Defense 2000, p. 39.</ref> It flew half of the strategic airlift missions in the operation, the type could use small airfields, easing operations; rapid turnaround times also led to efficient utilization.<ref>Department of Defense 2000, p. 40.</ref>

In 2006, eight C-17s were delivered to [[March Joint Air Reserve Base]], California; controlled by the [[Air Force Reserve Command]] (AFRC), assigned to the [[452nd Air Mobility Wing]] and subsequently assigned to AMC's [[436th Airlift Wing]] and its AFRC "associate" unit, the [[512th Airlift Wing]], at [[Dover Air Force Base]], Delaware, supplementing the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dover.af.mil/units/|title=Dover Air Force Base – Units|publisher=United States Air Force|access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414182845/http://www.dover.af.mil/units/index.asp|archive-date=14 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Mississippi Air National Guard's 172 Airlift Group received their first of eight C-17s in 2006. In 2011, the [[New York Air National Guard]]'s [[105th Airlift Wing]] at [[Stewart Air National Guard Base]] transitioned from the C-5 to the C-17.<ref name=Stewart_History>[http://www.105aw.ang.af.mil/history/index.asp "105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard – History"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214201134/http://www.105aw.ang.af.mil/history/index.asp |date=14 February 2013}}. Retrieved 3 March 2014.</ref>

C-17s delivered military supplies during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in Afghanistan and [[Iraq War|Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in Iraq as well as [[humanitarian aid]] in the aftermath of the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], and the [[2011 Sindh floods]], delivering thousands of food rations, tons of medical and emergency supplies. On 26 March 2003, 15 USAF C-17s participated in the biggest combat airdrop since the [[United States invasion of Panama]] in December 1989: the night-time airdrop of 1,000 paratroopers from the [[173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (United States)|173rd Airborne Brigade]] occurred over Bashur, Iraq. These airdrops were followed by C-17s ferrying M1 Abrams, M2 Bradleys, M113s and artillery.<ref>Anderson, Jon R. [http://www.stripes.com/news/1st-id-task-force-s-tanks-deployed-to-northern-iraq-1.4187 "1st ID task force's tanks deployed to northern Iraq."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002123053/http://www.stripes.com/news/1st-id-task-force-s-tanks-deployed-to-northern-iraq-1.4187 |date=2 October 2012}} ''Stars and Stripes'', 10 April 2003. Retrieved: 8 June 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Faulisi|first1=Stephen|title=Massive air lift|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000031446/|website=U.S. Air Force Photos|publisher=United States Air Force|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831174341/http://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000031446/|archive-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> USAF C-17s have also assisted allies in their airlift needs, such as Canadian vehicles to Afghanistan in 2003 and Australian forces for the [[Operation Astute|Australian-led military deployment to East Timor]] in 2006. In 2006, USAF C-17s flew 15 Canadian [[Leopard 1#Canada|Leopard C2 tanks]] from Kyrgyzstan into Kandahar in support of NATO's Afghanistan mission. In 2013, five USAF C-17s supported French operations in [[Mali]], operating with other nations' C-17s (RAF, NATO and RCAF deployed a single C-17 each).

Flight crews have [[nickname]]d the aircraft "''the Moose''", because during ground refueling, the pressure relief vents make a sound like the call of a female [[moose]] in heat.<ref>{{cite news |author=Barrie Barber |date=11 January 2015 |title=Wright-Patt crew plays crucial Afghanistan role: As combat operations end, Ohio airmen make frequent, risky flights |work=Dayton Daily News |issn=0897-0920 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1644372252 | id={{ProQuest|1644372252}} |quote=After a seven-hour flight that began from Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the "Moose" as the C-17 is nicknamed, is thirsty. The plane makes the sound of a moose call as fuel pushes out air inside the tanks.}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-c-17-moose-jet/ |title=Here's why the Air Force's workhorse C-17 is called 'the Moose' |author=David Roza |magazine=Task & Purpose |date=6 August 2021}}</ref>

Since 1999, C-17s have flown annually to Antarctica on [[Operation Deep Freeze]] in support of the [[US Antarctic Research Program]], replacing the C-141s used in prior years. The initial flight was flown by the USAF [[62nd Airlift Wing]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mcchord.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/1896579/where-its-cold-we-go/ |title=Where it's cold we go |date= 3 July 2019 |access-date= 6 March 2021 |publisher= US Air Force}}</ref> The C-17s fly round trip between [[Christchurch Airport]] and [[McMurdo Station]] around October each year and take 5 hours to fly each way.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.dvidshub.net/news/328690/stars-align-deep-freezes-last-regular-season-mission |title=Stars align for Deep Freeze's last regular season mission |author= Maj. Brooke Davis |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 6 March 2021 }}</ref> In 2006, the C-17 flew its first Antarctic airdrop mission, delivering 70,000 pounds of supplies.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/128633/c-17-makes-1st-ever-airdrop-to-antarctica/ |title= C-17 makes 1st-ever airdrop to Antarctica |date= 21 December 2006 |access-date= 6 March 2021 |publisher= US Air Force }}</ref> Further air drops occurred during subsequent years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/1997 |title= Test Run: Air Force Makes Air Drop Over South Pole For Training Exercise |date= 18 December 2009 |access-date= 6 March 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Presidential limousine loaded in aircraft.jpg|thumb|right|The U.S. [[Presidential state car (United States)|Presidential Limousine]] is transported by a C-17 for long-distance trips.]]
A C-17 accompanies the President of the United States on his visits to both domestic and foreign arrangements, consultations, and meetings. It is used to transport the [[Presidential State Car (United States)|Presidential Limousine]], [[Marine One]], and security detachments.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10526128375A9604&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "New Mexico Airport runway damaged by President's Cargo Plane."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070332/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10526128375A9604&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} Associated Press, 1 September 2004.</ref><ref name=NatGeo_On_Board>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130126225131/http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/episodes/on-board-marine-one1/video/ "On Board Marine One, Presidential Fleet"]. National Geographic, 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2013.</ref> On several occasions, a C-17 has been used to transport the President himself, using the [[Air Force One]] call sign while doing so.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDCB9D2E176DD80&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "C-17 proves its worth in Bosnian Supply effort."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070345/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDCB9D2E176DD80&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} ''St Paul Pioneer'', 16 February 1996.</ref>

====Rapid Dragon missile launcher testing====
In 2015, as part of a missile-defense test at [[Wake Island]], simulated medium-range [[ballistic missile]]s were launched from C-17s against [[Terminal High Altitude Area Defense|THAAD missile defense systems]] and the [[USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53)|USS ''John Paul Jones'' (DDG-53)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-missile-defense-idUSKCN0SQ2GR20151102 |title=U.S. completes complex test of layered missile defense system |last=Shalal |first=Andrea |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |work=Reuters |date=1 November 2015 |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117074749/https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/02/us-usa-missile-defense-idUSKCN0SQ2GR20151102 |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> In early 2020, [[pallet]]ized munitions–"Combat Expendable Platforms"– were tested from C-17s and C-130Js with results the USAF considered positive.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/05/27/air-force-looking-to-up-gun-its-airlift-planes/ |title=US Air Force looks to up-gun its airlift planes |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |work=Defense News |date=27 May 2020}}</ref>

In 2021, the Air Force Research Laboratory further developed the concept into tests of the [[Rapid Dragon]] system, which transforms the C-17 into a lethal [[cruise missile]] [[arsenal ship]] capable of mass launching 45 [[AGM-158 JASSM|JASSM-ER]] with 500&nbsp;kg warheads from a standoff distance of {{cvt|925|km|mi}}. Anticipated improvements included support for [[Joint Direct Attack Munition#JDAM Extended Range|JDAM-ER]], mine laying, drone dispersal as well as improved standoff range when full production of the {{cvt|1900|km|mi}} JASSM-XR was expected to deliver large inventories in 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=16 December 2021 |title=Rapid Dragon's first live fire test of a Palletized Weapon System deployed from a cargo aircraft destroys target |magazine=Air Force Material Command |ref={{SfnRef|Air Force Material Command release|2021}} |publisher=Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs |url= https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2879257/rapid-dragons-first-live-fire-test-of-a-palletized-weapon-system-deployed-from/|access-date=2022-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Host |first1=Pat |date=1 October 2021 |title=US AFRL plans Rapid Dragon palletized munitions experiments with additional weapons |work=Janes|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-afrl-plans-rapid-dragon-palletised-munitions-experiments-with-additional-weapons |access-date=2022-07-23}}</ref>

====Evacuation of Afghanistan====
On 15 August 2021, USAF C-17 02-1109 from the [[62nd Airlift Wing]] and [[446th Airlift Wing]] at [[Joint Base Lewis-McChord]] departed [[Hamid Karzai International Airport]] in [[Kabul]], [[Afghanistan]], while crowds of people trying to escape the [[2021 Taliban offensive]] ran alongside the aircraft. The C-17 lifted off with people holding on to the outside, and at least two died after falling from the aircraft. There were an unknown number possibly crushed and killed by the landing gear retracting, with human remains found in the landing-gear stowage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-16|title=Kabul airport: footage appears to show Afghans falling from plane after takeoff |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/16/kabul-airport-chaos-and-panic-as-afghans-and-foreigners-attempt-to-flee-the-capital |website=The Guardian |access-date= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Helene|last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=2021-08-17 |title=Body Parts Found in Landing Gear of Flight From Kabul, Officials Say |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/17/us/politics/afghans-deaths-us-plane.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/17/us/politics/afghans-deaths-us-plane.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited |access-date=2021-08-18 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/08/16/the-last-runway-out-of-kabul-us-transport-jets-face-complex-evacuation-mission/ |title= The last runway out of Kabul: US transport jets face complex evacuation mission |date= 18 August 2021 |access-date= }}</ref> Also that day, C-17 01-0186 from the [[816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron]] at [[Al Udeid Air Base]] transported 823 Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport on a single flight, setting a new record for the type,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/kabul-evacuation-flight-c-17-record/ |access-date=22 August 2021 |publisher=Air Force News |date=20 August 2021 |title=Kabul Evacuation Flight Sets C-17 Record With 823 on Board }}</ref> which was previously over 670 people during a 2013 typhoon evacuation from [[Tacloban]], [[Philippines]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/467793/c-17-crew-members-reflect-on-philippine-relief-efforts/ |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=19 December 2013 |title=C-17 crew members reflect on Philippine relief efforts |access-date= }}</ref>

===Royal Air Force===
[[File:C17 Transport Aircraft Taking Off from RAF Brize Norton MOD 45156519.jpg|thumb|RAF C-17 taking off from RAF Brize Norton]]

Boeing marketed the C-17 to many European nations including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) has established an aim of having interoperability and some weapons and capabilities commonality with the USAF. The 1998 [[Strategic Defence Review]] identified a requirement for a strategic airlifter. The Short-Term Strategic Airlift competition commenced in September of that year, but the tender was canceled in August 1999 with some bids identified by ministers as too expensive, including the Boeing/[[British Aerospace|BAe]] C-17 bid, and others unsuitable.<ref name=business>O'Connell, Dominic. "Political clash haunts MoD deal decision." ''The Business (Sunday Business Group)'', 5 December 1999.</ref> The project continued, with the C-17 seen as the favorite.<ref name=business/> In the light of [[Airbus A400M]] delays, the UK [[Secretary of State for Defence]], [[Geoff Hoon]], announced in May 2000 that the RAF would lease four C-17s at an annual cost of [[Pound sterling|£]]100 million from Boeing<ref name=avweek_20060313/> for an initial seven years with an optional two-year extension. The RAF had the option to buy or return the aircraft to Boeing. The UK committed to upgrading its C-17s in line with the USAF so that if they were returned, the USAF could adopt them. The lease agreement restricted the C-17's operational use, meaning that the RAF could not use them for para-drop, airdrop, rough field, low-level operations and air to air refueling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2012/09/the-airbus-a400m-atlas-part-1-background-progress-and-c130j-or-c17-options/|title=The Airbus A400M Atlas – Part 1 (Background, Progress and Options)|date=4 September 2012|work=Think Defence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506215911/http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2012/09/the-airbus-a400m-atlas-part-1-background-progress-and-c130j-or-c17-options/|archive-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first C-17 was delivered to the RAF at Boeing's Long Beach facility on 17 May 2001 and flown to [[RAF Brize Norton]] by a crew from [[No. 99 Squadron RAF|No. 99 Squadron]]. The RAF's fourth C-17 was delivered on 24 August 2001. The RAF aircraft were some of the first to take advantage of the new center wing fuel tank found in Block 13 aircraft. In RAF service, the C-17 has not been given an [[British military aircraft designation systems|official service name and designation]] (for example, C-130J referred to as Hercules C4 or C5), but is referred to simply as the C-17 or "C-17A Globemaster". Although it was to be a fallback for the A400M, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) announced on 21 July 2004 that they had elected to buy their four C-17s at the end of the lease,<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/review-turns-up-the-heat-on-eurofighter-186087/ "Review turns up the heat on eurofighter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729091343/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/review-turns-up-the-heat-on-eurofighter-186087/ |date=29 July 2013}}. ''Flight International'', 22 July 2004.</ref> though the A400M appeared to be closer to production. The C-17 gives the RAF strategic capabilities that it would not wish to lose, for example a maximum payload of {{convert|169500|lb|kg}} compared to the A400M's {{convert|82000|lb|kg}}.<ref name=avweek_20060313/> The C-17's capabilities allow the RAF to use it as an airborne hospital for [[medical evacuation]] missions.<ref>"[http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-air-hospital The Air Hospital] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107000045/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-air-hospital |date=7 November 2012}}" ''[[Channel 4]]'', 25 March 2010. Retrieved: 10 October 2012.</ref>

Another C-17 was ordered in August 2006, and delivered on 22 February 2008. The four leased C-17s were to be purchased later in 2008.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/07/222815/pictures-uk-receives-fifth-c-17-as-raf-fleet-passes-40000-flight.html "UK receives fifth C-17, as RAF fleet passes 40,000 flight hours."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206104455/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/07/222815/pictures-uk-receives-fifth-c-17-as-raf-fleet-passes-40000-flight.html |date=6 December 2008}} ''FlightGlobal.com'', 14 April 2008.</ref> Due to fears that the A400M may suffer further delays, the MoD announced in 2006 that it planned to acquire three more C-17s, for a total of eight, with delivery in 2009–2010.<ref name=UK_6th>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/BrownePurchaseOfExtraC17WillsignificantlyBoostUkMilitaryOperations.htm "Browne: Purchase of extra C-17 will 'significantly boost' UK military operations."] ''UK Ministry of Defence'', 27 July 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218215956/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/BrownePurchaseOfExtraC17WillsignificantlyBoostUkMilitaryOperations.htm |date=18 February 2012}}</ref> On 3 December 2007, the MoD announced a contract for a sixth C-17,<ref>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RafGetsSixthC17Globemaster.htm "RAF gets sixth C-17 Globemaster."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211202144/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RafGetsSixthC17Globemaster.htm |date=11 December 2007}} ''UK Ministry of Defence'', 4 December 2007.</ref> which was received on 11 June 2008.<ref>
[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080611c_nr.html "Boeing delivers 6th C-17 to Royal Air Force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617105332/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080611c_nr.html |date=17 June 2008}} ''Boeing'', 11 June 2008.
</ref> On 18 December 2009, Boeing confirmed that the RAF had ordered a seventh C-17,<ref name=7th_C-17>Drelling, Jerry and Madonna Walsh. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1000 "Royal Air Force to Acquire 7th Boeing C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221175104/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1000 |date=21 December 2009}} ''Boeing'', 17 December 2009.</ref> which was delivered on 16 November 2010.<ref name=RAF_Boeing_C-17s>Drelling, Jerry and Madonna Walsh. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1523 "Boeing delivers UK Royal Air Force's 7th C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123124605/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1523 |date=23 November 2010}} ''Boeing'', 16 November 2010.</ref> The UK announced the purchase of its eighth C-17 in February 2012.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport-367960/ "UK to buy eighth C-17 transport"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213095909/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport-367960/ |date=13 February 2012}}. ''Flight International'', 8 February 2012.</ref> The RAF showed interest in buying a ninth C-17 in November 2013.<ref>[https://archive.today/20131125170114/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131124/DEFREG01/311240001/UK-Shows-Interest-Buying-Another-C-17 "UK Shows Interest in Buying Another C-17"] ''DefenseNews'' 24 November 2013.</ref>

On 13 January 2013, the RAF deployed two C-17s from RAF Brize Norton to the French [[Évreux-Fauville Air Base|Évreux Air Base]], transporting French armored vehicles to the Malian capital of [[Bamako]] during the [[Mali War#Battle of Konna and French intervention|French intervention in Mali]].<ref>{{Citation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21004040 |date=13 January 2013 |title=Mali: RAF C17 cargo plane to help French operation |publisher=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002070412/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21004040 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2015, an RAF C-17 was used to medically evacuate four victims of the [[2015 Sousse attacks]] from Tunisia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33322789 |title=Tunisia attack: Injured Britons flown home by RAF |publisher= BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626082813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33322789 |archive-date=26 June 2016 |url-status=live |date=30 June 2015}}</ref> On 13 September 2022, C-17 [[United Kingdom military aircraft serial numbers|ZZ177]] carried the body of Queen [[Elizabeth II]] from [[Edinburgh Airport]] to [[RAF Northolt]] in London. She had been lying in state at [[St Giles' Cathedral]] in Edinburgh, Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62900494 |title=Queen Elizabeth II: Flight carrying coffin most tracked plane in history |publisher= BBC News |date=14 September 2022}}</ref>

===Royal Australian Air Force===
{{main|Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in Australian service}}
[[File:RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III TSV Zhu.jpg|thumb|A RAAF C-17 in 2010]]

The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) began investigating an acquisition of strategic transport aircraft in 2005.<ref name=McLaughlin_p40-41>McLaughlin 2008, pp. 40–41.</ref> In late 2005, the then [[Minister for Defence (Australia)|Minister for Defence]] [[Robert Hill (Australian diplomat)|Robert Hill]] stated that such aircraft were being considered due to the limited availability of strategic airlift aircraft from partner nations and air freight companies. The C-17 was considered to be favored over the A400M as it was a "proven aircraft" and in production. One major RAAF requirement was the ability to airlift the [[Australian Army|Army's]] M1 Abrams tanks; another requirement was immediate delivery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/|title=Heavy Lifting Down Under: Australias Growing C-17 Fleet|work=defenseindustrydaily.com|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317100743/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/|archive-date=17 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Though unstated, commonality with the USAF and the RAF was also considered advantageous. RAAF aircraft were ordered directly from the USAF production run and are identical to American C-17s even in paint scheme, the only difference being the [[Military aircraft insignia|national marking]]s, allowing deliveries to commence within nine months of commitment to the program.<ref name=awst_20061211>"Stock Standard". ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', 11 December 2006.</ref>

On 2 March 2006, the Australian government announced the purchase of three aircraft and one option with an entry into service date of 2006.<ref name=avweek_20060313/> In July 2006, Boeing was awarded a fixed price contract to deliver four C-17s for {{USD|780M}} ({{AUD|1bn}}).<ref name=DID_Australia_C-17>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ "Heavy Lifting Down Under: Australia Buys C-17s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006041203/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ |date=6 October 2011}} ''Defense Industry Daily'', 27 November 2012.</ref> Australia also signed a US$80.7M contract to join the global 'virtual fleet' C-17 sustainment program;<ref name=McLaughlin_p42>McLaughlin 2008, p. 42.</ref> RAAF C-17s receive the same upgrades as the USAF's fleet.<ref name=McLaughlin_p46>McLaughlin 2008, p. 46.</ref>

The RAAF took delivery of its first C-17 in a ceremony at Boeing's plant at Long Beach, California on 28 November 2006.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/news/2006/q4/061128b_nr.html "Boeing delivers Royal Australian Air Force's First C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629095605/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/news/2006/q4/061128b_nr.html |date=29 June 2011}} ''Boeing'', 28 November 2010. Retrieved: 13 August 2010.</ref> Several days later the aircraft flew from [[Hickam Air Force Base]], Hawaii to [[Fairbairn, Canberra|Defence Establishment Fairbairn]], Canberra, arriving on 4 December 2006. The aircraft was formally accepted in a ceremony at Fairbairn shortly after arrival.<ref>[http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/49tpl.cfm?CurrentId=6212 "First C-17 arrives in Australia."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502225152/http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/49tpl.cfm?CurrentId=6212 |date=2 May 2012}} ''Australian Government: The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Defence'', 4 December 2006.</ref> The second aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on 11 May 2007 and the third was delivered on 18 December 2007. The fourth Australian C-17 was delivered on 19 January 2008.<ref>[http://www.tamilsydney.com/content/view/1133/1/ "Air Force's C-17 fleet delivered on time, on budget."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929150846/http://www.tamilsydney.com/content/view/1133/1/ |date=29 September 2011}} ''[[Greg Combet|The Hon. Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement]]'', 18 January 2008. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> All the Australian C-17s are operated by [[No. 36 Squadron RAAF|No. 36 Squadron]] and are based at [[RAAF Base Amberley]] in Queensland.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080329050815/http://www.raaf.gov.au/aircraft/globemaster.htm "C-17 Globemaster heavy transport."] ''Royal Australian Air Force'', 29 March 2008.</ref>

On 18 April 2011, Boeing announced that Australia had signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire a fifth C-17 due to an increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.<ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1709 "Boeing, Australia Announce Order for 5th C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717093149/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1709 |date=17 July 2011}} ''Boeing Press Release'', 18 April 2011.</ref> The aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on 14 September 2011.<ref>[http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/09/fifth-raaf-c-17-delivered/ "Fifth RAAF C-17 delivered."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230103510/http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/09/fifth-raaf-c-17-delivered/ |date=30 December 2011}} ''Australian Aviation'', 23 September 2011. Retrieved: 15 September 2011.</ref> On 23 September 2011, Australian Minister for Defence Materiel [[Jason Clare]] announced that the government was seeking information from the U.S. about the price and delivery schedule for a sixth Globemaster.<ref>
Clare, Jason. [http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/23/minister-for-defence-materiel-sixth-c-17a-globemaster-iii-–-letter-of-request/ "Sixth C-17A Globemaster III – Letter of Request."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609111644/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/23/minister-for-defence-materiel-sixth-c-17a-globemaster-iii-%E2%80%93-letter-of-request/ |date=9 June 2016}} ''Department of Defence''. Retrieved: 23 September 2011.
</ref> In November 2011, Australia requested a sixth C-17 through the U.S. [[Foreign Military Sales]] program; it was ordered in June 2012, and was delivered on 1 November 2012.<ref name="Purchase of additional C17">
[http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/03/19/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-joint-media-release-purchase-of-additional-c17/ "Purchase of additional C17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321033447/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/03/19/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-joint-media-release-purchase-of-additional-c17/ |date=21 March 2012}} ''Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – joint media release'', 20 March 2012.
</ref><ref name=DID_Heavy_Lifting_Down_Under>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ "Heavy Lifting Down Under: Australia Buys C-17s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006041203/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ |date=6 October 2011}} ''defenseindustrydaily.com'', 20 June 2012. Retrieved: 10 July 2012.</ref>

In August 2014, Defence Minister [[David Johnston (Australian politician)|David Johnston]] announced the intention to purchase one or two additional C-17s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/prime-minister-tony-abbott-to-fly-worldwide-nonstop-on-airbus-kc30a/story-fncynjr2-1227023370734|title=Prime Minister Tony Abbott to fly worldwide non-stop on Airbus KC-30A|publisher=[[News.com.au]]|date=14 August 2014|access-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929015609/http://www.news.com.au/national/prime-minister-tony-abbott-to-fly-worldwide-nonstop-on-airbus-kc30a/story-fncynjr2-1227023370734|archive-date=29 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 October 2014, Johnston announced the government's approval to buy two C-17s at a total cost of {{USD|770M}} ({{AUD|1bn}}).<ref name="gw2015">{{citation |first=Greg |last=Waldron |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-confirms-order-for-two-additional-c-17s-411041/ |title=Australia confirms order for two additional C-17s |work=[[Flightglobal]] |publisher=Reed Business Information |date=10 April 2015 |access-date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413035241/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-confirms-order-for-two-additional-c-17s-411041/ |archive-date=13 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United States Congress]] approved the sale under the Foreign Military Sales program.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/abbott-government-to-spend-500-million-on-two-new-boeing-c17-heavylift-transport-jets/story-fnpjxnlk-1227078035546 Abbott Government to spend $500 million on two new Boeing C-17 heavy-lift transport jets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007054116/http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/abbott-government-to-spend-500-million-on-two-new-boeing-c17-heavylift-transport-jets/story-fnpjxnlk-1227078035546 |date=7 October 2014}}. Retrieved on 12 October 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-to-buy-up-to-four-more-c-17s-404418/ Australia to buy up to four more C-17s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008034555/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-to-buy-up-to-four-more-c-17s-404418/ |date=8 October 2014}}. Retrieved on 12 October 2014.</ref> Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed in April 2015 that two additional aircraft were to be ordered, with both delivered by 4 November 2015;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/04/pm-confirms-two-extra-c-17s-for-the-raaf/|title=PM confirms two extra C-17s for the RAAF|publisher=Australian Aviation|date=10 April 2015|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424023737/http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/04/pm-confirms-two-extra-c-17s-for-the-raaf/|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> these added to the six C-17s it had {{as of|2015|lc=y}}.<ref name="gw2015" />

===Royal Canadian Air Force===
[[File:Boeing C-17 Globemaster III departs RIAT Fairford on 17July2017 arp.jpg|thumb|A [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] C-17 (code 177703) departs the 2017 [[Royal International Air Tattoo]], [[RAF Fairford]], [[England]].]]

The [[Canadian Armed Forces]] had a long-standing need for strategic airlift for military and humanitarian operations around the world. It had followed a pattern similar to the [[German Air Force]] in leasing [[Antonov]]s and [[Ilyushin]]s for many requirements, including deploying the [[Disaster Assistance Response Team]] (DART) to tsunami-stricken Sri Lanka in 2005; the Canadian Forces had relied entirely on leased [[Antonov An-124|An-124 ''Ruslan'']] for a [[Canadian Army]] [[Operation Halo|deployment to Haiti]] in 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://magazine.wingsmagazine.com/publication/?i=26329&article_id=261506&view=articleBrowser&ver=html5#%7B%22issue_id%22:26329,%22view%22:%22articleBrowser%22,%22article_id%22:%22261506%22%7D |title=The Standard For Strategic Airlift|access-date=2018-10-11|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011214855/http://magazine.wingsmagazine.com/publication/?i=26329&article_id=261506&view=articleBrowser&ver=html5#%7B%22issue_id%22:26329,%22view%22:%22articleBrowser%22,%22article_id%22:%22261506%22%7D|archive-date=11 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A combination of leased ''Ruslans'', Ilyushins and USAF C-17s was also used to move heavy equipment to Afghanistan. In 2002, the Canadian Forces Future Strategic Airlifter Project began to study alternatives, including long-term leasing arrangements.<ref>Whelan, Peter. [http://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/strategic-lift-capacity-for-canada/ "Strategic lift capacity for Canada."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022906/http://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/strategic-lift-capacity-for-canada/ |date=5 March 2016}} ''The Ploughshares Monitor'', Volume 26, Issue 2, Summer 2005.</ref>

On 5 July 2006, the Canadian government issued a notice of intent to negotiate with Boeing to procure four airlifters for the Canadian Forces Air Command ([[Royal Canadian Air Force]] after August 2011).<ref>[http://www.merx.com/English/SUPPLIER_Menu.Asp?WCE=Show&TAB=1&State=7&id=PW-%24SSC-004-13706&hcode=lZi0smL%2fmio4eGxwwqDpfg%3d%3d Airlift Capability Project – Strategic ACP-S – ACAN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014233633/http://www.merx.com/English/SUPPLIER_Menu.Asp?WCE=Show&TAB=1&State=7&id=PW-%24SSC-004-13706&hcode=lZi0smL%2fmio4eGxwwqDpfg%3d%3d |date=14 October 2006}} MERX Website – Government of Canada</ref> On 1 February 2007, Canada awarded a contract for four C-17s with delivery beginning in August 2007.<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/o-connor-announces-military-plane-purchase-1.227438 "O'Connor announces military plane purchase".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923210545/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070202/oconnor_plane_070202/20070202?hub=Canada |date=23 September 2009}} ''CTV.ca'', 2 February 2007.</ref> Like Australia, Canada was granted airframes originally slated for the USAF to accelerate delivery.<ref name=fi_20070205>Wastnage, J. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/02/05/211969/canada-gets-usaf-slots-for-august-delivery-after-signing-for-four-boeing-c-17s-in-20-year-c4bn.html "Canada gets USAF slots for August delivery after signing for four Boeing C-17s in 20-year C$4bn deal, settles provincial workshare squabble."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528143933/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/02/05/211969/canada-gets-usaf-slots-for-august-delivery-after-signing-for-four-boeing-c-17s-in-20-year-c4bn.html |date=28 May 2008}} ''[[Flight International]]'', 5 February 2007.</ref> The official Canadian designation is ''CC-177 Globemaster III''.<ref>[http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/cc177/index-eng.asp "Aircraft – CC-177 Globemaster III."]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227111556/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/cc177/index-eng.asp |date=27 December 2012}} ''Royal Canadian Air Force'', 15 January 2010.</ref>

On 23 July 2007, the first Canadian C-17 made its initial flight.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-07-25-Boeing-Starts-Flight-Tests-for-Canadas-First-C-17 |title= Boeing Starts Flight Tests for Canada's First C-17 |website= boeing.mediaroom.com |publisher= [[The Boeing Company]] |date= 25 July 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150217002944/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-07-25-Boeing-Starts-Flight-Tests-for-Canadas-First-C-17 |archive-date= 17 February 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref> It was turned over to Canada on 8 August,<ref name=CF_C-17>{{cite web |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-08-08-Boeing-Delivers-Canadas-First-C-17 |title= Boeing delivers Canada's First C-17 |publisher= [[The Boeing Company]] |date= 8 August 2007 |access-date= 13 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150217002914/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-08-08-Boeing-Delivers-Canadas-First-C-17 |archive-date= 17 February 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref> and participated at the [[Abbotsford International Airshow]] on 11 August prior to arriving at its new home base at 8 Wing, [[CFB Trenton]], Ontario on 12 August.<ref name=Trenton>[https://archive.today/20121216042919/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?id=4120 "First CC-177 Globemaster III Receives Patriotic and Enthusiastic Welcome."] ''Department of National Defence''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref> Its first operational mission was to deliver disaster relief to Jamaica following [[Hurricane Dean]] that month.<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/new-military-aircraft-leaves-on-aid-mission-1.253790 "New military aircraft leaves on aid mission."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505004819/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070824/globemaster_070824/20070824?hub=Canada |date=5 May 2009}} ''Cnews.com'', 24 August 2007.</ref> The last of the initial four aircraft was delivered in April 2008.<ref name=CF_4th>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?cat=114&id=5802 "Canada takes delivery of final CC-177."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710034852/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?cat=114 |date=10 July 2007}} ''Canadian Forces'', 3 April 2008.</ref> On 19 December 2014, it was reported that Canada intended to purchase one more C-17.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-buys-additional-military-cargo-jet-as-c-17-production-wraps-up-1.2879347 |title=Canada buys additional military cargo jet as C-17 production wraps up |work=CBC News |date=19 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222022754/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-buys-additional-military-cargo-jet-as-c-17-production-wraps-up-1.2879347 |archive-date=22 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 March 2015, Canada's fifth C-17 arrived at CFB Trenton.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.intelligencer.ca/2015/03/30/rcafs-new-bird-reaches-its-nest |title= RCAF's new bird reaches its nest |last= Lessard |first= Jerome |date=30 March 2015 |newspaper= Belleville Intelligencer |via= intelligencer.ca |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624204434/http://www.intelligencer.ca/2015/03/30/rcafs-new-bird-reaches-its-nest |archive-date= 24 June 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref> The aircraft are assigned to [[429 Transport Squadron]] based at CFB Trenton.

On 14 April 2010, a Canadian C-17 landed for the first time at [[CFS Alert]], the world's most northerly airport.<ref>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=10443 "Top of the world welcomes CC-177 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611181048/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=10443 |date=11 June 2011}} ''airforce.forces.gc.ca.'' Retrieved: 18 August 2011.</ref> Canadian Globemasters have been deployed in support of numerous missions worldwide, including [[Operation Hestia]] after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, providing airlift as part of [[Operation Mobile]] and support to the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. After [[Typhoon Haiyan]] hit the Philippines in 2013, Canadian C-17s established an air bridge between the two nations, deploying Canada's DART and delivering humanitarian supplies and equipment. In 2014, they supported Operation Reassurance and Operation Impact.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ottawa to buy 5th C-17 aircraft|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/ottawa-to-buy-5th-c-17-aircraft-1.2155642|agency=CTV News|publisher=Bell Media|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120154926/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/ottawa-to-buy-5th-c-17-aircraft-1.2155642|archive-date=20 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Strategic Airlift Capability program===
[[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, NATO - Strategic Airlift Capability JP6917250.jpg|thumb|One of the [[Strategic Airlift Capability]] C-17s]]

At the 2006 [[Farnborough Airshow]], a number of NATO member nations signed a [[letter of intent]] to jointly purchase and operate several C-17s within the [[Strategic Airlift Capability]] (SAC).<ref name=NATOairl>[http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air-sac/index.html "Strategic Airlift Capability: A key capability for the Alliance."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019125328/http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air-sac/index.html |date=19 October 2006}} ''NATO''. Retrieved: 1 April 2010.</ref> The purchase was for two C-17s, and a third was contributed by the U.S. On 14 July 2009, Boeing delivered the first C-17 for the SAC program with the second and third C-17s delivered in September and October 2009.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/15/329668/pictures-boeing-delivers-first-c-17-for-nato-led-heavy-airlift-wing.html "Boeing delivers first C-17 for NATO-led Heavy Airlift Wing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718095213/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/15/329668/pictures-boeing-delivers-first-c-17-for-nato-led-heavy-airlift-wing.html |date=18 July 2009}} ''Flight International'', 15 July 2009.</ref><ref>Drelling, Jerry and Eszter Ungar.[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 "3rd Boeing C-17 Joins 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability Initiative."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919085035/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 |date=19 September 2011}} ''Boeing'', 7 October 2009.</ref> SAC members are Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and the U.S. as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NATO |title=Strategic airlift |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_50107.htm#SAC |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=NATO |language=en}}</ref>

The SAC C-17s are based at [[Hungarian Air Force#P.C3.A1pa AFB|Pápa Air Base]], Hungary. The Heavy Airlift Wing is hosted by Hungary, which acts as the flag nation.<ref>[http://www.heavyairliftwing.org/background "Background."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111094857/http://www.heavyairliftwing.org/background |date=11 November 2011}} ''Heavy Airlift Wing''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref> The aircraft are crewed in similar fashion as the NATO [[E-3 Sentry|E-3]] AWACS aircraft.<ref>[http://www.e3a.nato.int/ "NATP Airborne Early Warning & Control Force: E-3A Component."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060914041659/http://www.e3a.nato.int/ |date=14 September 2006}} ''NATO''. Retrieved: 1 April 2010.</ref> The C-17 flight crew are multi-national, but each mission is assigned to an individual member nation based on the SAC's annual flight hour share agreement. The NATO Airlift Management Programme Office (NAMPO) provides management and support for the Heavy Airlift Wing. NAMPO is a part of the NATO Support Agency (NSPA).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nspa.nato.int/en/index.htm |title=Nato Support and Procurement Agency |access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608180109/http://www.nspa.nato.int/en/index.htm |archive-date=8 June 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2014, Boeing stated that the three C-17s supporting SAC missions had achieved a readiness rate of nearly 94 percent over the last five years and supported over 1,000 missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/boeing-c-17-support-effort-strategic-airlift-capability-exceeds-1000-missions/ |title=Boeing C-17 Support Effort for Strategic Airlift Capability Exceeds 1,000 Missions |work=Defensemedianetwork.com |date=7 September 2014 |access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322034617/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/boeing-c-17-support-effort-strategic-airlift-capability-exceeds-1000-missions/ |archive-date=22 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Indian Air Force===
In June 2009, the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) selected the C-17 for its Very Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft requirement to replace several types of transport aircraft.<ref name="tect24j13" /> In January 2010, India requested 10 C-17s through the U.S.'s Foreign Military Sales program,<ref name="India Requests Boeing C-17s.">Mathews, Neelam. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/awx/2010/01/08/awx_01_08_2010_p0-195411.xml&headline=India%20Requests%20Boeing%20C-17s&channel=defense "India Requests Boeing C-17s."]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Aviation Week'', 8 January 2010.</ref> the sale was approved by Congress in June 2010.<ref>[http://www.sify.com/news/us-congress-clears-c-17-sale-for-india-news-international-kgcnOdacjcb.html "US Congress clears C-17 sale for India."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022062858/http://www.sify.com/news/us-congress-clears-c-17-sale-for-india-news-international-kgcnOdacjcb.html |date=22 October 2012}} ''Deccan Chronicle'', 18 August 2011.</ref> On 23 June 2010, the IAF successfully test-landed a USAF C-17 at the [[Gaggal Airport]], India to complete the IAF's C-17 trials.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100705_1_n.shtml "IAF completes C-17 test-flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |date=5 June 2011}} ''Jane's Information Group'', 5 July 2010.</ref> In February 2011, the IAF and Boeing agreed terms for the order of 10 C-17s<ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com">[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-17/news/29138728_1_il-76-iaf-chief-marshal-pv-naik "IAF finalises order for 10 C-17 strategic airlifters."]{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''The Times of India'', 17 March 2011. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> with an option for six more; the US$4.1 billion order was approved by the Indian [[Cabinet Committee on Security|Cabinet Committee]] on 6 June 2011.<ref name="The_Hindu_Cabinet_approved">Prasad, K.V. [http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/07/stories/2011060765092000.htm "India to buy C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft from U.S."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608131938/http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/07/stories/2011060765092000.htm |date=8 June 2011}} ''The Hindu'', 7 June 2011. Retrieved: 7 June 2011.</ref><ref name="livemint.com">[http://www.livemint.com/Companies/6uAPJaguKDn2s1jpL6gAUN/India8217s-4-bn-order-to-support-jobs-at-Boeing8217s.html "India's $4-Bn Order To Support Jobs At Boeing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228065731/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/6uAPJaguKDn2s1jpL6gAUN/India8217s-4-bn-order-to-support-jobs-at-Boeing8217s.html |date=28 February 2014}} ''BusinessWeek'', 7 June 2011.</ref> Deliveries began in June 2013 and were to continue to 2014.<ref name="MOD_purchase">[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78432 "Purchase of Transport Aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004154842/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78432 |date=4 October 2018}} ''pib.nic.in'', 12 December 2011. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Boeing delivers third C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft to Indian Air Force|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/boeing-delivers-third-c-17-globemaster-military-transport-aircraft-to-indian-air-force/articleshow/21995683.cms|access-date=23 August 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=23 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823092131/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/boeing-delivers-third-c-17-globemaster-military-transport-aircraft-to-indian-air-force/articleshow/21995683.cms|archive-date=23 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, the IAF reportedly finalized plans to buy six more C-17s in its [[Five-Year plans of India|five-year plan]] for 2017–2022.<ref name="tect24j13">{{cite news |title=C-17 boosts India's strategic airlift capability: IAF Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/c-17-boosts-indias-strategic-airlift-capability-iaf-air-chief-marshal-n-a-k-browne/articleshow/21267520.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912233334/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/c-17-boosts-indias-strategic-airlift-capability-iaf-air-chief-marshal-n-a-k-browne/articleshow/21267520.cms |archive-date=12 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="toi10sep" /><ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/india-to-buy-more-than-16-c-17-airlifters/articleshow/8850290.cms "India to buy more than 16 C-17 airlifters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019172652/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/india-to-buy-more-than-16-c-17-airlifters/articleshow/8850290.cms |date=19 October 2012}} ''Economictimes.indiatimes.com''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref>

[[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III ‘CB-8010’.jpg|thumb|left|Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 'CB-8010']]
It provides strategic airlift, the ability to deploy special forces,<ref>Knowles, Victoria. [http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-for-indian-air-force.html "C-17 Globemaster for Indian Air Force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803231249/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-for-indian-air-force.html |date=3 August 2012}} Armed Forces International, 1 August 2012.</ref> and to operate in diverse terrain – from Himalayan air bases in North India at {{convert|13000|ft|m|abbr=on}} to Indian Ocean bases in South India.<ref name=dh24jy13>{{cite news|title=US Army chief apprised of Indian strategies|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/346930/us-army-chief-apprised-indian.html|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726155843/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/346930/us-army-chief-apprised-indian.html|archive-date=26 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The C-17s are based at [[Hindon Air Force Station]] and are operated by [[No. 81 Squadron IAF]] ''Skylords''.<ref name ="skylordform">{{cite news|title=Indian Air Force inducts C-17 Globemaster III, forms Skylords Squadron|url=http://frontierindia.net/indian-air-force-inducts-c-17-globemaster-iii-forms-skylords-squadron#axzz2dkJMhASF|newspaper=Frontier India|date=2 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904125850/http://frontierindia.net/indian-air-force-inducts-c-17-globemaster-iii-forms-skylords-squadron#axzz2dkJMhASF|archive-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> The first C-17 was delivered in January 2013 for testing and training;<ref>[https://archive.today/20130215192949/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130124/DEFREG03/301240018/1st-C-17-Airlifter-8216-Delivered-8217-Indian-Officials "1st C-17 Airlifter 'Delivered' to Indian Officials"]. Defense News, 24 January 2013.</ref> it was officially accepted on 11 June 2013.<ref name=Boe_1st_C-17>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2697 "Boeing Transfers 1st C-17 to Indian Air Force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615224604/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2697 |date=15 June 2013}}. Boeing, 11 June 2013.</ref> The second C-17 was delivered on 23 July 2013 and put into service immediately. IAF Chief of Air Staff [[Norman Anil Kumar Browne|Norman AK Browne]] called it "a major component in the [[Future of the Indian Air Force|IAF's modernization drive]]" while taking delivery of the aircraft at Boeing's Long Beach factory.<ref name=tt23j13>{{cite news |title=IAF gets its second C-17 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130724/main5.htm |work=The Tribune |date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725042613/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130724/main5.htm |archive-date=25 July 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 September 2013, the ''Skylords'' squadron with three C-17s officially entered IAF service.<ref>[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-iii-joins-indian-air-force.html "C-17 Globemaster III Joins Indian Air Force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906052326/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-iii-joins-indian-air-force.html |date=6 September 2013}}. Armedforces-Int.com, 2 September 2013.</ref>

The ''Skylords'' regularly fly missions within India, such as to high-altitude bases at [[Leh Air Force Station|Leh]] and [[Thoise]]. The IAF first used the C-17 to transport an infantry battalion's equipment to [[INS Jarawa|Port Blair]] on Andaman Islands on 1 July 2013.<ref name=toi2j>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IAFs-new-C-17-flies-non-stop-to-Andamans-to-supply-Army-equipment/articleshow/20869070.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130705144615/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-02/india/40328759_1_10-c-17-aircraft-rugged-c-17s-panagarh |url-status=live |archive-date=5 July 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |title=IAF's new C-17 flies non-stop to Andamans to supply Army equipment |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=5 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=US, India Consider C-17 Exchange|url=http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2013/July%202013/July%2031%202013/US,-India-Consider-C-17-Exchange.aspx|newspaper=Air Force Magazine|date=31 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524004221/http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2013/July%202013/July%2031%202013/US,-India-Consider-C-17-Exchange.aspx|archive-date=24 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Foreign deployments to date include [[Tajikistan]] in August 2013, and [[Rwanda]] to support [[Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions|Indian peacekeepers]].<ref name=toi10sep>{{cite news|title=Globemasters deployed for overseas missions|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Globemasters-deployed-for-overseas-missions/articleshow/22445215.cms|access-date=10 September 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=10 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909234452/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Globemasters-deployed-for-overseas-missions/articleshow/22445215.cms|archive-date=9 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> One C-17 was used for transporting relief materials during [[Cyclone Phailin]].<ref>{{cite news|title=IAF C-17 Globemaster makes debut in Cyclone Phailin rescue efforts|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/iaf-c-17-globemaster-makes-debut-in-cyclone-phailin-rescue-efforts-update-cyclone-phailin-113101200360_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|date=12 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185558/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/iaf-c-17-globemaster-makes-debut-in-cyclone-phailin-rescue-efforts-update-cyclone-phailin-113101200360_1.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The sixth aircraft was received in July 2014.<ref name="financialexpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-gets-sixth-c17-globemaster-with-vintage-package-in-belly/1274687|title=Indian Air Force gets sixth C-17 Globemaster with vintage package in belly|last=PTI|work=financialexpress.com|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024001706/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-gets-sixth-c17-globemaster-with-vintage-package-in-belly/1274687|archive-date=24 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2017, the U.S. Department of State approved the potential sale of one C-17 to India under a proposed $366 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=366000000|start_year=2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) U.S. Foreign Military Sale.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-india-c-17-transport-aircraft |title=Government of India – C-17 Transport Aircraft |website=dsca.mil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630203059/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-india-c-17-transport-aircraft |archive-date=30 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> This aircraft, the last C-17 produced, increased the IAF's fleet to 11 C-17s.<ref name="iaf-11-c17-dod.defense.gov"/> In March 2018, a contract was awarded for completion by 22 August 2019.<ref name="iaf-11-c17-dod.defense.gov">{{cite web|url=https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1481376/|title=India to receive final 'white-tail' C-17 – Jane's Contracts for March 30, 2018|website=DOD.defense.gov|access-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114142035/https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1481376/|archive-date=14 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 August 2019, Boeing delivered the 11th C-17 Globemaster III to the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boeing delivers 11th C-17 Globemaster III to the Indian Air Force |url=https://www.boeing.co.in/news/2019/boeing-delivers-11th-c-17-globemaster-iii-to-the-indian-air-force#:~:text=New%20Delhi,%20India,%20August%2026,military,%20humanitarian%20and%20peacekeeping%20missions. |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=www.boeing.co.in |language=en-IN}}</ref>

On 7 February 2023, an IAF C-17 delivered humanitarian aid packages for [[2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake|earthquake]] victims in Turkey and Syria by taking a detour around Pakistan's airspace in the aftermath of 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/aviation/turkey-earthquake-pakistan-denies-airspace-to-indias-c-17-plane-carrying-ndrf-team-medical-aid-report-2570657.html |title=Turkey Earthquake: India's C-17 Plane Carrying Relief Aid Avoids Pakistan's Airspace |last=Garg |first=Arjit |publisher=Zee News |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>

An IAF C-17 executed a precision airdrop of two [[Rigid inflatable boat|Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft]] along with a platoon of 8 [[MARCOS]] commandos in an operation to rescue the ''ex-MV Ruen'', a [[Malta|Maltese]]-[[ensign (flag)|flagged]] [[cargo ship]] hijacked by [[Piracy off the coast of Somalia|Somali pirates]] in December 2023. The mission was conducted on 16 March 2024 in a 10-hour round trip mission to an area 2600&nbsp;km away from the Indian coast.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-03-17 |title=Indian Navy's 40-hour operation {{!}} Pirates shot down Navy's drone, Marine Commandos airdropped |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/40-hour-indian-navy-operation-in-arabian-sea/article67961302.ece |access-date=2024-03-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The ship was being used as a [[Mother ship|mothership]] for piracy. In a joint operation carried out with the [[Indian Navy]] assets such as [[P-8I Neptune]] [[maritime patrol aircraft]], [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|SeaGuardian]] drones, destroyer ''[[INS Kolkata]]'' and patrol vessel ''[[INS Subhadra (P51)|INS Subhadra]]'', the IAF C-17 airdropped Navy's MARCOS commandos, who boarded the hijacked ship, rescued 17 sailors and disarmed 35 pirates in the operation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy rescues 17 crew from hijacked ship, captures 35 pirates after 40-hour op |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-pirates-surrender-mv-ruen-ins-kolkata-2515876-2024-03-17 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=India Today |date=17 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ships, Drones, Commandos: How Indian Navy Rescued Hijacked Vessel |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ships-drones-commandos-how-indian-navy-rescued-hijacked-vessel-5254211 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-17 |title=Dramatic ops on high seas: Indian Navy rescues hijacked vessel MV Ruen, arrests 35 Somali pirates |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/dramatic-ops-on-high-seas-indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-vessel-mv-ruen-arrests-35-somali-pirates-421783-2024-03-17 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Business Today |language=hi}}</ref>

===Qatar===
[[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Qatar Emiri Air Force A7-MAE - MSN F252 QA4 (10101360223).jpg|thumb|Qatar Emiri Air Force C-17]]

Boeing delivered Qatar's first C-17 on 11 August 2009 and the second on 10 September 2009 for the [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]].<ref>Drelling, Jerry and Lorenzo Cortes. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=832 "Boeing Delivers Qatar's 2nd C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916041418/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=832 |date=16 September 2009}} ''Boeing'', 10 September 2009.</ref> Qatar received its third C-17 in 2012, and fourth C-17 was received on 10 December 2012.<ref name="Boeing">{{cite web |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2522 |title= Boeing delivers Qatar Emiri Air Force's 4th C-17 Globemaster III |publisher= Boeing |date= 10 December 2012 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130128142052/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2522 |archive-date= 28 January 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref> In June 2013, ''The New York Times'' reported that Qatar was allegedly using its C-17s to ship weapons from [[Libya]] to the [[Syrian opposition]] during the [[Syrian Civil War|civil war]] via [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/world/africa/in-a-turnabout-syria-rebels-get-libyan-weapons.html?ref=world&_r=0 |work=The New York Times |first1=C. J. |last1=Chivers |first2=Eric |last2=Schmitt |first3=Mark |last3=Mazzetti |title=In Turnabout, Syria Rebels Get Libyan Weapons |date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724184924/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/world/africa/in-a-turnabout-syria-rebels-get-libyan-weapons.html?ref=world&_r=0 |archive-date=24 July 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 June 2015, it was announced at the Paris Airshow that Qatar agreed to order four additional C-17s from the five remaining "white tail" C-17s to double Qatar's C-17 fleet.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/52269/paris-air-show-qatar-to-double-c-17-fleet |work=IHS Jane's 360 |first1=J. |last1=Binnie |title=Paris Air Show: Qatar to double C-17 fleet |date=15 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621061512/http://www.janes.com/article/52269/paris-air-show-qatar-to-double-c-17-fleet |archive-date=21 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> One Qatari C-17 bears the civilian markings of government-owned [[Qatar Airways]], although the airplane is owned and operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=2009-08-12 |title=PICTURE: Gulf state's second C-17 gets Qatar Airways livery |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/picture-gulf-states-second-c-17-gets-qatar-airways-livery/88396.article |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=Flight Global}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2009-09-10 |title=Boeing Delivers Qatar's 2nd C-17 Globemaster III |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2009-09-10-Boeing-Delivers-Qatars-2nd-C-17-Globemaster-III |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=[[Boeing]] Mediaroom}}</ref> The head of Qatar's airlift selection committee, Ahmed Al-Malki, said the paint scheme was "to build awareness of Qatar's participation in operations around the world."<ref name=":0" />

===United Arab Emirates===
In February 2009, the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] agreed to buy four C-17s.<ref name=UAE_order>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/25/323068/uae-strengthens-airlift-capacity-with-c-130j-c-17-deals.html "UAE strengthens airlift capacity with C-130J, C-17 deals."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301153829/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/25/323068/uae-strengthens-airlift-capacity-with-c-130j-c-17-deals.html |date=1 March 2009}} ''Flight International'', 25 February 2009.</ref> In January 2010, a contract was signed for six C-17s.<ref name=Boe_UAE_contract>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1019 "Boeing, United Arab Emirates Announce Order for 6 C-17s"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111223743/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1019 |date=11 January 2010}}. ''Boeing'', 6 January 2010.</ref> In May 2011, the first C-17 was handed over and the final was received in June 2012.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/11/356496/pictures-uae-receives-first-c-17-transport.html "UAE receives first C-17 transport."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618161919/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/11/356496/pictures-uae-receives-first-c-17-transport.html |date=18 June 2011}} ''flightglobal.com'', 11 May 2011.</ref><ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2300 "Boeing Delivers UAE Air Force and Air Defence's 6th C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522192502/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2300 |date=22 May 2013}} ''Boeing'', 20 June 2012.</ref>

===Kuwait===
[[File:KAF342 (22559708964).jpg|thumb|A Kuwait Air Force C-17 in 2015]]

Kuwait requested the purchase of one C-17 in September 2010 and a second in April 2013 through the U.S.'s [[Foreign Military Sales]] (FMS) program.<ref name="Kuwait – C-17 GLOBEMASTER III.">[http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kuwait-c-17-globemaster-iii "Kuwait – C-17 GLOBEMASTER III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233329/http://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kuwait-c-17-globemaster-iii |date=26 April 2014}} ''U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency'', 17 April 2013.</ref> The nation ordered two C-17s; the first was delivered on 13 February 2014.<ref name=1st_C-17_Kuwait>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-Delivers-Kuwait-Air-Force-s-1st-C-17-Globemaster-III "Boeing Delivers Kuwait Air Force's 1st C-17 Globemaster III"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302204314/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-Delivers-Kuwait-Air-Force-s-1st-C-17-Globemaster-III |date=2 March 2014}}. Boeing, 13 February 2014.</ref>

===Proposed operators===
In 2015, New Zealand's Minister of Defence, [[Gerry Brownlee]], was considering the purchase of two C-17s for the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] at an estimated cost of $600 million as a heavy air transport option.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11433122|title=Two new Boeing C-17s to cost NZDF $600m|date=15 April 2015|work=The New Zealand Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305001810/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11433122|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live|last1=Davison|first1=Isaac}}</ref> However, the New Zealand Government eventually decided not to acquire the C-17.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cowlishaw|first1=Shane|title=Plans to replace Defence Force's 'rusting' Hercules fleet fails to get lift off|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74849069/Plans-to-replace-Defence-Forces-rusting-Hercules-fleet-fails-to-get-lift-off|work=stuff|date=13 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005075148/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74849069/Plans-to-replace-Defence-Forces-rusting-Hercules-fleet-fails-to-get-lift-off|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Consideration of a C-17 Air Transport Capability|url=http://www.defence.govt.nz/reports-publications/consideration-of-c17-capability.html|publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Defence|access-date=9 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813024634/http://www.defence.govt.nz/reports-publications/consideration-of-c17-capability.html|archive-date=13 August 2016}}</ref>