Japan has expressed interest in acquiring US-made C-17 military transport aircraft to enhance its rapid deployment and tactical logistics capabilities.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the potential purchase with US President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting in Washington, DC, according to Kyodo News.
The proposal was purportedly welcomed by the US.
While the specific aircraft type discussed has not been publicly disclosed, Tokyo is believed to be seeking the C-17 Globemaster III tactical airlifter.
Ishiba has long been interested in the four-engine Boeing aircraft, dating back to his days as the country’s defense minister.
If the plan moves forward, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) would likely receive secondhand C-17s, as Boeing ceased production of new units in 2015.
First-Hand Experience
Earlier this year, the US Air Force collaborated with Japan’s armed forces on a static loading test of the C-17 Globemaster III.
Dozens of personnel from the JGSDF and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) participated in the drill at Naval Air Facility Atsugi in southern Japan.
During the exercise, JGSDF members successfully loaded their Chinook helicopter onto the C-17, gaining valuable first-hand experience in airlifting heavy military assets.
“Exercising the capability to support and collaborate with our partner nations strengthens our ability to project combat power anywhere on the globe,” a senior JASDF official stated.
“During these two days, we were able to demonstrate the joint inspection requirements to the JASDF and JGSDF so that they have familiarization with the mathematical computations and loading process in the event that they need to deploy their equipment and personnel via mobility airlift.”
About the C-17 Globemaster III
First flown in 1991, Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III is one of the world’s largest and most versatile military transport aircraft.
It is known for its ability to carry oversized cargo, operate in austere environments, and provide rapid strategic mobility to armed forces.
Powered by four Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, the C-17 can reach altitudes of 28,000 feet (8,534 meters) and fly at speeds of up to 450 knots (833 kilometers/517 miles per hour).
It can also carry up to 102 fully-equipped soldiers, 74 patients, or a maximum of 170,000 pounds (77,110 kilograms) of cargo.
Once operational in Japan, the C-17 would enhance the JGSDF’s ability to rapidly deploy troops, carry out disaster response efforts, and support regional defense operations.
