Strategic Airlift Capability

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Home is at Pápa Airbase in Hungary at the Heavy Airlift Wing. We ask that all users do this in a respectful manner. No solicitations or advertisements.

The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) is 12 nation initiative that provides its participating nations assured access to military airlift capability around the whole world. This forum is open to anyone wishing to comment and share feedback and opinions about the SAC and its missions and operations. No graphic, obscene, explicit, abusive, hateful, racist or defamatory comments will be tolerated. These will be removed as soon as identified and offenders may be banned. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, we do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agencies. Details about ongoing investigations, or legal, or administrative proceedings that could prejudice the processes or could interfere with an individual’s rights will be deleted from this page. Apparent spamming or trolling will be removed and may cause the author(s) to be blocked from the page without notice. No copyrighted or trademarked images or graphics may be posted. Imagery posted should be owned by the user. No comments, photos or videos that suggest or encourage inappropriate or illegal activity. No documents of any kind should be posted on this page. You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided. All information posted to social media sites will be no higher than unclassified. Any sensitive information that poses a threat to operational security or safety of personnel will be removed. The appearance of external links or the use of third-party applications on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the SAC.

23/10/2026

Hosted by the Hungarian Community, we came together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956, honoring the courage, resilience, and determination of those who fought for freedom.
Our international community experienced a taste of Hungarian culture through delicious traditional bean goulash and home-made sweets, while learning about the historic events of the Freedom Fight and their lasting significance.
The spirit of freedom, the warmth of shared traditions, and the taste of Hungarian hospitality brought our 12-nation team even closer together. We carry these memories and the values they represent with us as we continue our mission - delivering word class airlift around the globe. 🇭🇺

14/10/2026

Heavy Airlift Wing Vice Commander Col. Jim Pike (USAF) welcomed U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, to Pápa Air Base for a visit highlighting multinational cooperation and Alliance readiness.
During the visit, Ambassador Whitaker and Chargé d'Affaires Caroline Savage received an overview of the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW), the multinational flying unit of the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC), and its role in delivering strategic airlift capabilities for SAC's 12 member nations, all of which are now NATO Allies following the accession of Finland and Sweden.
Ambassador Whitaker and Charge Savage also toured several HAW functions, including Command and Control, Aircrew Flight Equipment, the Heavy Airlift Squadron, the Logistics Support Squadron and the Boeing maintenance hangar, where they met military and civilian personnel supporting the Wing's mission.
While SAC operates as an independent multinational programme governed by its member nations, its unique airlift capability directly contributes to the readiness, interoperability, and collective defence of the Alliance.

05/10/2026

The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) had the honor of welcoming Lt. Gen. Jered Helwig, Deputy Commander of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), to Pápa Air Base, Hungary.
During his visit, Lt. Gen. Helwig received an overview of Heavy Airlift Wing operations, SAC’s unique multinational structure, recent missions, and future developments at Pápa Air Base.
The visit highlighted the importance of multinational cooperation and SAC’s contribution to the global mobility mission.
U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

08/09/2026

Happy 18th birthday, SAC! 🎂🎉
In September, 18 years ago, representatives of 12 nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding that marked the launch of the Strategic Airlift Capability Program.

Since then, our fleet of three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and the men and women of our team have flown thousands of missions around the globe, continuously fulfilling the strategic military airlift needs of our member nations.

As our regular 3rd yearly training week got underway, we took a moment to celebrate not only the ideas and vision behind the program, but also the achievements of our team and the commitment we deliver day after day.

05/09/2026

Family Day at Pápa Air Base!

Today, HAW and Hungarian Defence Forces Pápa Air Base hosted our annual Family Day, welcoming families and visitors for a close-up look at military vehicles and aircraft. The SAC C-17 was, of course, the star attraction, joined by an impressive Gripen fly-by and much more.

There was plenty for everyone to enjoy, from bouncy castles, face painting and quirky bikes, to drifting demonstrations for the petrol heads, etcetera.

Events like this matter because our partnership with the Hungarian Defence Forces at Pápa Air Base is a cornerstone of our 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability. Just as importantly, it is a chance to thank the families who support our personnel every day. Without them, our unique contribution to a safer and more stable world would not be possible.

04/09/2026

For years, the 12 HAW nations have worked together in a unique spirit of unity and cooperation.

Then we had to select the best photos of us from the Swedish Airshow.

Following extensive consultations and negotiations worthy of a strategic airlift programme, the results are in. 🏆

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who took part and shared their photos.

03/09/2026

Almost two weeks later, we're still smiling about an incredible weekend at the Swedish Air Force Airshow in Linköping.
While our C-17 Globemaster III attracted plenty of attention on the flight line, some of the biggest action was actually taking place at the SAC tent.
Visitors tested their aviation knowledge in a quiz run by our fantastic SAC volunteers, with prizes ranging from lanyards and pins to key rings. And yes, everyone was a winner, but not everyone got every answer right... Do you know what is wider: an ice hockey rink or the wingspan of a C-17?
In a nation (Sweden) passionate about hockey, the answer sparked plenty of debate. For the record, a standard international ice hockey rink is 30 metres wide. The wingspan of a C-17 is just over 51 metres. So no VAR needed to get that one right...
Beyond the quiz, the weekend gave us the amazing opportunity to meet aviation enthusiasts of all sorts, and highlight something truly unique: the Strategic Airlift Capability is built on the cooperation of 12 nations, working together to achieve far more than any one nation could alone.
From humanitarian relief to military transport, that multinational partnership allows us to deliver strategic airlift around the globe, every day.
Thank you, Linköping, for the warm welcome. And a special thank you to our crew and the volunteering spouses who helped make the event such a success.
12 nations. One wing. Global reach.

31/08/2026

In memory of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, the personnel of the Heavy Airlift Wing join our Norwegian colleagues in honoring his legacy and service to his nation.

At Pápa Air Base, Heavy Airlift Wing Commander Col. Oostema signed the official book of condolences at our headquarters.

As Norway is a founding member of the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability program, the Heavy Airlift Wing extends its sympathies to the Norwegian Royal Family, the people of Norway, and our Norwegian personnel during this period of national mourning.

The operations of the Heavy Airlift Wing remain ongoing. Currently, a previously planned mission for Norway is airborne in support of our continuous global commitments. 🇳🇴✈️🌍

25/08/2026

Thank you Sweden, that's a wrap!
Strategic Airlift Capability has landed in home base Pápa, Hungary, after a few stops on the way to help some of our military partners with transport.
The airshow had well over 200.0000 visitors, and a huge amount of these visited our aircraft, sometimes queuing for hours. Thank you all for your interest in our impressive C-17 workhorse, our unique 12-nation collaboration and our world class strategic heavy airlift capabilities.
Next year we plan to attend two European airshows. Keep your eyes open - we hope to see you again!

23/08/2026

Captioned "The Kiss", Victoria is one of the winners of Sundays Photo Competition.
The Frecce Tricolori swept in with their green‑white‑red trails and met our SAC C‑17 right at the nose — a perfect little love moment.
The other Sunday winners will be announced shortly.

Address

Keflavík Airport (KEF)
Keflavík
235

Website

http://www.sacprogram.org/

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