The US Air Force’s Plan To Fly The C-17 Until 2075 While Its Replacement Exists Only On Paper

The United States Air Force (USAF) has begun efforts to replace its C-17 and C-5M airlifters, but the program is in its infancy. In the Fiscal 2027 documents, the Air Force says, “We also are investing in long distance over the horizon communications and protection 6 and airlift service life extension programs as we explore next-generation airlift options.” The documents explain that the need for the new aircraft stems from both the challenges of an aging fleet and future contested logistics (especially over the Asia-Pacific) that will make them vulnerable.