The U.S. Air Force plans to replace its existing C-37A and C-37B executive transport jets with a new fleet of 17 C-37C aircraft, according to fiscal year 2027 budget documents.
Procurement will begin in fiscal 2027 with one aircraft funded at $208 million, including $203.6 million for the aircraft itself and $4.4 million in support costs. The schedule calls for three more in 2028, four in 2029, four in 2030, and five in 2031. The total program cost through fiscal 2031 is $2.19 billion.
Of the 17 C-37C jets, 16 will replace the current fleet of 10 Gulfstream V-based C-37As, built between 1998 and 2002, and seven Gulfstream G550-derived C-37Bs, including three from 2006-2009 and five from 2018-2019. One aircraft will serve training purposes.
The C-37C, under the Common Small Executive Airlift Replacement Aircraft program, will be a modified commercial derivative with VIP interiors, mission communications, self-defense systems, and capacity for five crew and 20 passengers on missions up to 7,500 nautical miles. The base platform remains undisclosed, though a Gulfstream design such as the G700 is anticipated given the designation continuity. Air Mobility Command will operate the fleet for transporting senior government and military officials.