Japan has indicated a keen interest in bolstering its military logistics and rapid deployment capabilities by acquiring US-made C-17 military transport aircraft. During a recent bilateral meeting in Washington, DC, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba broached the subject with US President Donald Trump, as reported by Kyodo News. The proposal to enhance Japan’s military capabilities received a positive reception from the United States.
Although the exact type of aircraft was not publicly disclosed during the talks, reports suggest that Japan is specifically targeting the C-17 Globemaster III, a prominent tactical airlifter renowned for its versatility and operational capabilities. Ishiba’s interest in the four-engine Boeing plane dates back to his previous tenure as Japan’s defense minister.
Should the acquisition materialize, it is likely that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) would be looking at secondhand models of the C-17, as Boeing has not produced new units since ceasing production in 2015.
Earlier in the year, the US Air Force conducted a joint exercise with Japan’s armed forces involving a static loading test of the C-17 Globemaster III. This exercise took place at Naval Air Facility Atsugi in southern Japan, featuring participation from personnel of the JGSDF and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). During the practical drill, JGSDF members successfully loaded a Chinook helicopter onto the C-17, gaining essential experience in the airlifting of substantial military assets.
A senior official from the JASDF emphasized the importance of such joint exercises, stating, “Exercising the capability to support and collaborate with our partner nations strengthens our ability to project combat power anywhere on the globe.” The two-day event not only allowed for practical engagement but also provided insights into the joint inspection requirements vital for ensuring familiarization with the mathematical computations and loading processes necessary for future deployments.
The C-17 Globemaster III, first introduced in 1991, is recognized as one of the largest and most multipurpose military transport aircraft globally. Its capabilities include carrying oversized cargo, operating in challenging environments, and facilitating rapid strategic mobility for armed forces. With four Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, the C-17 can attain altitudes of 28,000 feet and reach speeds of up to 450 knots, or about 517 miles per hour. Additionally, it can transport up to 102 fully-equipped soldiers, 74 patients, or a maximum of 170,000 pounds of cargo.
Integrating the C-17 into Japan’s arsenal would significantly augment the JGSDF’s ability to swiftly deploy troops, execute disaster response missions, and fortify regional defense operations.
