Issue 326: On Short Notice

The RAAF in operation over Iraq

The two extra C-17s for the RAAF have been announced seemingly more times than Dame Nellie Melba made comebacks. The Prime Minister’s early April confirmation of a seventh and eighth C-17 comes after the acquisition was twice flagged in 2014. But arguably it is a decision so good it deserves to be announced three times.

Barely a decade ago there were plenty within and outside the Air Force who felt the C-17 was too big for Australia’s airlift needs, so it seems remarkable that the RAAF will soon have eight in service. Since first entering service in 2006 the RAAF’s C-17s have certainly proven their worth, and not just in the traditional military airlifter role that has seem them provide a vital air bridge to Australian military forces in the Middle East.