that the MoD intended to order a sixth C-17 to boost operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.[74] On 3 December 2007, the MoD announced a contract for a sixth C-17,[75] which was received on 11 June 2008.[76]

On 18 December 2009, Boeing confirmed that the RAF had ordered a seventh C-17,[77][78] which was delivered on 16 November 2010.[79] The UK announced the purchase of its eighth C-17 in February 2012.[80] The RAF showed interest in buying a ninth C-17 in November 2013.[81]

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) began investigating an acquisition of heavy lift aircraft for strategic transport in 2005.[84] In late 2005 the then Minister for DefenceRobert Hill stated that such aircraft were being considered due to the limited availability of strategic airlift aircraft from partner nations and airfreight 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 Army's M1 Abrams tanks; another requirement was immediate delivery. Though unstated, commonality with the USAF and the United Kingdom's RAF was also considered advantageous. RAAF aircraft were ordered directly from the USAF production run and are identical to American C-17 even in paint scheme, the only difference being the national markings. This allowed delivery to commence within nine months of commitment to the program.[85]

On 2 March 2006, the Australian government announced the purchase of three aircraft and one option with an entry into service date of 2006.[67] In July 2006 a fixed price contract was awarded to