Boeing has secured a $13.1-million contract from the US Department of Defense to enhance infrared countermeasure systems on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft serving in Canadian and Australian fleets.
These countermeasures are intended to defeat heat-seeking missiles by deploying decoys such as flares, laser-based systems, or electronic jamming tools that interfere with hostile tracking systems.
Transition to Block 30
The contract covers upgrades for five C-17s operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force and eight flown by the Royal Australian Air Force. The modernization will shift the aircraft from the older Block 10 configuration to the updated Block 30 standard, along with installation and technical support. Boeing will conduct the work at its San Antonio, Texas facility, aiming for completion by July 2030, under the oversight of the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center in Georgia.
Upgrades for US Aircraft
In parallel, Boeing is advancing cockpit upgrades for US Air Force C-17s, extending their operational lifespan to 2075. The program includes replacing mission computers to boost digital performance and accommodate future system enhancements.
