December5, 2006:
Sweden, and fifteen other NATO nations, are jointly buying three C-17
transports. The aircraft will be used mainly to provide humanitarian support
and supply peacekeeping operations. The C-17 is a combat transport, and thus
equipped to operate in primitive conditions. The C-17 has been very visible in
combat zones, and disaster areas, during the last five years. Many NATO troops
and aid workers have flown in it, and been impressed. The three plane deal will
cost about $600 million. Britain has also obtained the C-17 in a separate deal,
and other nations have expressed interest.