House Committee Orders Air Force to Study Restarting C-17 Production and Cheaper Alternatives by 2027

The House Committee on Armed Services directed the Secretary of the Air Force to deliver a formal briefing by March 1, 2027, on the feasibility of restarting C-17 Globemaster III production. The requirement was added last week to a report accompanying the draft National Defense Authorization Act. The committee cited sustained operational demands on the existing fleet.

The briefing must cover technical and industrial feasibility, including tooling status, supplier viability, workforce availability, and reconstitution costs. It must also provide a timeline to first delivery, cost estimates for limited and multi-year procurement, and an assessment of international partner interest.

The committee further directed the Air Force to evaluate alternatives for increasing strategic airlift capacity, including service life extension programs, modernization of existing aircraft, procurement of commercial derivative cargo aircraft, and expansion of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet.

Operators of the aircraft have contacted Boeing about resuming production. A Boeing spokesperson said the company has been “encouraged” by these discussions and remains willing to explore development and production partnerships. The Air Force took delivery of its final C-17 in 2013 and currently operates 222 aircraft.

Boeing closed the production line in Long Beach, California, in 2015 and sold the facilities in 2019. Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and a multinational Strategic Airlift Capability arrangement also operate the type. S.

Air Force C-17s are scheduled to receive 3D-printed microvanes by the end of 2027 to reduce drag and fuel consumption. The service is also under contract with Boeing for a flight-deck upgrade to address avionics obsolescence.