The Pentagon ordered the sixth C-17 meant for the Royal Australian Air Force, awarding Boeing a $171.5 million foreign military sales contract, announced US defense officials. Back in March, the Australian defense ministry announced its decision to acquire the sixth C-17. Boeing is expected to complete work on this aircraft in November, according to DOD’s list of major contracts awarded on June 19. “Boeing is incredibly pleased by the confidence shown by the Australian government in the unique airlift capabilities provided by the C-17,” company spokeswoman Cindy Anderson told the Daily Report June 20. She added, “We look forward to working with the Commonwealth of Australia to deliver the RAAF’s sixth C-17 airlifter with the same speed and quality standards as the five airlifters before it.” In related news, Boeing announced on June 20 that it has delivered the sixth C-17 to the United Arab Emirates, thereby completing that nation’s order.
U.S. Northern Command and multiple research organizations just wrapped up a joint, three-year experiment to test new radar technology that could enable the Northern Warning System to detect incoming threats at longer ranges across Alaska and northern Canada.