USAF C-17 Globemaster III showcases strategic might in US-Moldova joint airborne exercise.

In a significant display of military cooperation and readiness, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and the Moldovan 1st Infantry Brigade (Special Forces) have successfully executed a combined airborne exercise, prominently featuring the U.S. Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The exercise, named Aurochs Partner, took place outside Balti, Moldova, on October 29, 2023.

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 The U.S. Department of Defense announced that this joint exercise, which ran from October 25 to October 31, was conducted at the training centers of the Dechebal Aviation Regiment in Marculesti and the Moldova Motorized Infantry Brigade in Balti (Picture source: US MoD)

The U.S. Department of Defense announced that this joint exercise, which ran from October 25 to October 31, was conducted at the training centers of the Dechebal Aviation Regiment in Marculesti and the Moldova Motorized Infantry Brigade in Balti. The exercise aimed to enhance the interoperability and readiness of both forces, ensuring they are prepared to rapidly and effectively confront emerging threats anywhere and at any time.

A key highlight of the exercise was the use of the C-17 Globemaster III, a high-capacity, long-distance strategic military transport aircraft. This aircraft played a crucial role in the exercise, demonstrating its capability to perform operations close to potential areas of conflict and support humanitarian or peacekeeping missions globally.

The C-17 Globemaster III, known for its ability to transport troops and various cargo types directly to primary bases worldwide, showcased its advanced features during the exercise. With a formidable freight capacity of 100,000 pounds (45,360 kilograms) and a range exceeding 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 kilometers), the C-17 is designed for steep descents and slow-speed approaches. This allows for landings on short, narrow runways, making it an ideal aircraft for operations in remote and underdeveloped airfields.

U.S. Army Sgt. Kevin Koziol of the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company, 16th Sustainment Brigade, conducted pre-jump rehearsals with paratroopers from the U.S. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Moldovan 1st Infantry Brigade (Special Forces). This collaboration underscores the strategic partnership and shared commitment to global security between the United States and Moldova.

The exercise scenario included parachute jumps along the border of the Floresti and Falesti territories, adjacent to the cities, and the use of infantry weapons. This follows the Scutul de Foc/Rapid Trident 2023 multinational combined military exercise hosted by Moldova from September 10 to September 22, involving around 500 Moldovan, Romanian, and U.S. troops.

The Aurochs Partner exercise and the prominent role of the C-17 Globemaster III in it highlight the ongoing commitment of the U.S. and Moldovan forces to maintain a high level of readiness and cooperation, ensuring a formidable, cohesive, agile, and lethal combined force capable of addressing global challenges.