C-17 Air Mobility Command Airlift Recapitalization Strategy

Uninterrupted inter-theater airlift capacity is paramount for global operations during fleet recapitalization. Current recapitalization projections require C-5M viability until 2045 and C-17A viability through 2075. Next Generation Airlift (NGAL) will replace both the C-5M and C-17A fleets as the next inter-theater airlift platform.

With an accelerated NGAL Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) in FY27 and an uninterrupted acquisition process with consistent funding, the first NGAL aircraft could be produced as early as FY38. It is estimated the NGAL program will reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY41. One NGAL aircraft will replace one C-5M aircraft until the entire C-5M fleet is retired. Then, the C-17A fleet will be replaced by NGAL at a one-for-one swap.

To mitigate risks associated with acquisition delays, funding uncertainties, or technological challenges, the existing C-5M and C-17A fleets’ operational viability must be maintained until a fully capable replacement is fielded, which may require extending the service life and associated Military Type Certificate (MTC) of each platform.