DefenseUSAF plans to replace C-5 and C-17 with 274 new cargo planes by 2038
The United States Air Force (USAF) has unveiled plans to replace its C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft with a new fleet, called the Next-Generation Airlifter (NGAL), by 2038, as detailed in its new recapitalization strategy.
The strategy calls for the acquisition of 274 new cargo jets over the next 50 years, with current models remaining in service for periods ranging from 20 to 50 years, reported Air Force Magazine.
According to Brig. Gen. David A. Fazenbaker, director of strategy, plans, requirements, and programs for the Air Mobility Command (AMC), “current projections indicate that the C-5 and C-17 will be kept in service until 2045 and 2075, respectively.”
The NGAL is expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2041, with the schedule anticipating the acquisition of 7.4 aircraft per year. This pace is considered conservative and aims to ensure an efficient and safe transition between generations of cargo aircraft.
The ‘Drive to 55’ program was created to raise the mission capability rate of the C-5, currently at 48.5%, to 55%. This initiative seeks to ensure operational availability while the new NGAL fleet is not yet in service.
In the technological field, the Air Force will invest $235 million in a BWB (blended wing body) technology demonstrator, developed by JetZero, the KC-Z4, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, with the first flight scheduled for 2027.
Companies interested in participating in the NGAL program must submit their proposals by January 30, 2026.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
