The US’ Boeing has delivered the fourth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.

Boeing delivered the UAE’s first three C-17 aircraft in May, June and July 2011. It plans to deliver two more in 2012.

The C-17 will give the UAE military with the versatility and reliability it needs to complete its mission requirements.

“The C-17 is the ideal choice for us as it can handle the vast distances and climate extremes in which our aircraft operate,” says Colonel Staff Engineer Ahmed al-Mazmi.

The UAE’s first three C-17s have been engaged in multiple global missions to deliver humanitarian aid to the victims of natural disasters and have supported military missions where needed and requested by allies.

The C-17 is able to transport payloads up to 170,000 pounds, can fly 2,400 nautical miles without refuelling and can be used to transport troops and brigades for airdrop missions and to conduct aeromedical evaluations.

In February, the UAE Armed Forces signed $1.8bn worth of defence deals during the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi (MEED 22:2:11).