NATO Strategic Airlift: Capability or Continued US Reliance
Abstract
A growing strategic airlift capabilities gap within the NATO alliance drove members toward capabilities improvement goals to strengthen the alliance by increasing strategic airlift capacity. Although NATO has made progress in addressing deficiencies in strategic airlift capacity, NATO must further refine a strategic airlift capability to meet current and future alliance needs. Analyzing requirements against the potential solutions, this study evaluates the ability of existing organic and lease solutions along with the new C-17 Strategic Airlift Consortium to meet current and future NATO strategic airlift needs. The study further evaluates the feasibility of applying these solutions to European Union airlift needs. While organic and lease options provide some capability, purchasing additional C-17 aircraft under SAC provides guaranteed access to proven airframes at consistent cost, and therefore remains the best solution for overall NATO capability. Although this solution reduces dependence on commercially leased and lesser capable organic aircraft, NATO must enhance this solution with fiscal reforms regarding deployment funding to encourage participation by all members in alliance work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA539589
Entities
People
- James D. Hood
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College