US to explore bringing C-17 Globemaster III production back from the dead

Congress has directed the US Air Force to analyze options by March 1, 2027: restart C-17 Globemaster III production, extend the life of 220 existing aircraft, or create a new NGAL transport. C-17 production ended in 2015, and restarting the factory is estimated to cost billions of dollars.

• Congress requires US Air Force report on C-17 fate by March 1, 2027
• C-17 production stopped in 2015, about 220 aircraft in service
• 2006 restart estimates: from $918 million to $2 billion
• New NGAL transport may be ready for production by 2038