Strategic Airlift Capability C-17

The Netherlands is a member of Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) C-17, an international partnership with 12 participating nations. SAC C-17 has 3 C-17 transport aircraft based in Hungary open to use by these nations. 

SAC C-17 - objective

SAC C-17 was established to meet the large requirement for strategic air transport within NATO and the EU. International cooperation in this area contributes to the more efficient use of air transport assets. The C-17 aircraft are stationed at Pápa Air Base in Hungary. The participating countries have joint responsibility for the maintenance of the 3 aircraft for a period of 30 years.

SAC C-17 - operation

The transport aircraft are flown by flight crews from the 12 participating countries. Each country determines independently the purpose for which they wish to use the aircraft. The Netherlands has purchased 500 flying hours per year.

SAC C-17 - participants

The SAC consists of 10 NATO nations, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Romania and the United States, along with the 2 so-called ‘partnership for peace’ nations, Finland and Sweden.