The Royal Australian Air Force rounded out its Boeing C-17A transport fleet Wednesday with an eighth aircraft officially entering into service.

The Globemaster III aircraft, which had arrived Monday at an air base in the state of Queensland, was the second of two ordered earlier this year.

"The C-17A Globemaster is an incredibly versatile aircraft," said Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies. "It allows us to provide an air bridge from Australia with supplies to the men and women deployed around the world, support Army operations, and assist at home with disaster relief such as the Queensland floods.

"Additional aircraft mean we can better meet the demands of moving personnel and equipment, within the short timeframes required in emergency situations."

The procurement of the last two C-17As, together with associated equipment and facilities, represent an investment of more than $700 million in Australia's ability to provide heavy airlift to a range of global military operations.

Airbus Helicopters, KAI in marketing deal
Paris (UPI) Nov 4, 2015 - Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries are to jointly market Korean light armed attack helicopters and light utility civilian helicopters globally.

The marketing, which includes the offer of comprehensive after-sales support services, comes through a memorandum of understanding signed in the South Korean capital on Wednesday.

"We have enjoyed great success in cooperation programs with Airbus Helicopters, with the Korean Utility Helicopter program being a prime example," said KAI's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Rotary Wing Aircraft Research & Development Dr. Joo Kyun Kim.

"Now as we look towards the future with our new LCH/LAH program, this collaboration is a natural next step that will enable both parties to leverage on each other's strengths, to ensure success of these platforms in Korea and the world."

Details of the marketing effort are to be established in the months ahead by a joint working group.

"Korea is one of Airbus Helicopters' most important international customers, said Norbert Ducrot, Airbus Helicopters' Head of North Asia. "Thanks to this MoU, we will build a strong and mutually-beneficial relationship with KAI in order to jointly market the LCH/LAH worldwide."