December5, 2006: Sweden, and fifteen other NATO nations, are jointly buying three C-17 transports. The aircraft will be used mainly to provide humanitarian support and supply peacekeeping operations. The C-17 is a combat transport, and thus equipped to operate in primitive conditions. The C-17 has been very visible in combat zones, and disaster areas, during the last five years. Many NATO troops and aid workers have flown in it, and been impressed. The three plane deal will cost about $600 million. Britain has also obtained the C-17 in a separate deal, and other nations have expressed interest.