The Royal Australian Air Force is buying two more C-17A Globemaster airlift planes, the aerial hauler than has been serving many recent military logistical needs.

Bringing aid to flood-hit communities in Queensland and Victoria, searching for MH370 off the West Australian coast and helping with the recovery of remains after the attack on MH17 over Ukraine, the RAAF’s six C-17A Globemasters have had no shortage of work to do.

The standard C-17 Globemaster can lift a staggering 77,519 kg of cargo within its 53 metre fuselage. This could consist of 134 troops and equipment, or an M1 Abrams tank, or three Tiger helicopters, or five Bushmaster vehicles.

Defence Senator David Johnston the two extra Globemasters will significantly the capacity for military tasks, disaster relief and humanitarian work around the world.

Senator Johnston said in recent years the C-17As had also delivered humanitarian aid and medical supplies to nations following natural disasters, such as the widespread flooding in Pakistan in 2010 and the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 in New Zealand.

“The aircraft is also currently supporting Australian and Coalition forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, providing a military long-range, strategic heavy airlift capability between Australia and the world,” Senator Johnston said.

The two new birds will augment the current fleet of six C-17As based at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

The Government has requested pricing and availability data for the two further aircraft through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.