NATO Eyes New C-17 Support Construct

LONDON — In a bid to cut costs, NATO is considering changing the line maintenance approach for its Boeing C-17 fleet. Boeing provides the current line support for the Heavy Airlift Wing’s three C-17s based at Papa AB in Hungary. But because the company uses retired U.S. military personnel on expensive expatriate contracts, the alliance wants to find alternatives, says Gunnar Borch, general manager of the NATO Airlift Management Agency. Discussions are underway at NATO about the way forward, he tells an IQ Defense military airlift conference. A new support contract could span 3-5 years. Options are wide open, Borch notes. The work could go to military personnel or a third-party maintenance provider such as Lufthansa Technik, he says. The latter already has a maintenance facility in Hungary. Teaming options also may emerge, one European industry official suggests. But several hurdles must be overcome. Hiring locals can be complicated because of weak English language skills. Clearances also have to be secured for sensitive data. The NATO C-17 fleet reached initial operational capability in May and is due to achieve full capability in October 2011. However, that date may slip into 2012 because of the lack of spares. Meanwhile, the crewing structure also is being modified. NATO had planned four crew per aircraft, but Italy’s budget-driven withdrawal from the program has left the alliance short of qualified staff. A decision was recently made by the 12 states involved in the program to use 3.6 crewmembers per aircraft, with a long-term goal to reach the target of four . Borch also notes that the Strategic Airlift Capability program would welcome new members. Croatia has been at the forefront of talks, but budget pressures have stalled those initiatives. Other smaller NATO states may also still participate. Furthermore, Borch says it may be possible to augment the C-17s with other aircraft. However, that planning is being stymied by the austere budget situation in most European countries .