The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is preparing to replace its fleet of C-37 executive transport aircraft with a new standard designated C-37C, under a program valued at about $2.19 billion through fiscal 2031.
Budget documents show procurement beginning in fiscal 2027 with one aircraft funded at $208 million, followed by three in 2028, four in 2029, four in 2030 and five in 2031. The total planned fleet comprises 17 aircraft, including one dedicated to training.
The new aircraft will replace the current mix of ten Gulfstream V-based C-37A and seven Gulfstream G550-derived C-37B jets, which are used for executive airlift missions transporting senior government and military officials.
The C-37C will be based on a business jet platform fitted with a VIP interior, communications systems and defensive equipment. Air Mobility Command requires an aircraft capable of carrying up to five crew and 20 passengers on nonstop missions of up to 7,500 nautical miles.
The specific platform has not been disclosed, but the continuation of the C-37 designation suggests another Gulfstream Aerospace design, with newer models such as the G700 seen as likely candidates. The G550, which underpins the current C-37B, is no longer in production.
Gulfstream aircraft are also operated by other U.S. services. The United States Coast Guard recently took delivery of two G700 jets configured for executive transport and command-and-control missions, while the Air Force is fielding the EA-37B Compass Call, a modified G550 used for electronic attack and communications disruption.
The current C-37 fleet is primarily based at Joint Base Andrews, with additional aircraft stationed in Hawaii and Germany, supporting global transport requirements for senior leadership.
