US Approves $781 Million Logistic Support For Qatar’s C-17 Aircraft

The US State Department has approved sale of continued logistics support for eight C-17 aircraft and another sale of spare C-17 engines, equipment, and support to Qatar for an estimated total cost of $781 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 7, 2016. 

The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of the following in support of its eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft procured under a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS): four spare F117-PW-100 engines, Quick Engine Change (QEC) Kits, Engine Transport Trailers, Engine Platforms, Engine Trailers, and other various support. The estimated total program cost is $81 million. 

The Government of Qatar has also requested a possible sale of continued logistics support for eight C-17 aircraft which will include contract labor for sustainment engineering, on-site COMSEC support, Quality Assurance, support equipment repair, supply chain management, spares replenishment, maintenance, back shop support, and centralized maintenance support/associated services. Required upgrades will include fixed installation satellite antenna, Mode 5+ installation and sustainment, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out, and two special operations loading ramps. The estimated total cost is $700 million. 

The C-17 provides a heavy airlift capability and complements the normal, day-to-day operations of Qatar’s C-130J fleet.

The prime contractor will be the Boeing Corporation.