A new C-17 transport aircraft was unveiled last week by the British Defence Secretary at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Philip Hammond welcomed the £200m aircraft which arrived in the UK this week from Boeing's production plant in California, USA.
This aircraft is the eighth C-17 in the RAF's fleet.
Known as 'the workhorse of the RAF', they play a vital role in sustaining the UK's airbridge with Afghanistan - carrying supplies and passengers into and out of the country.
"These aircraft provide vital support to our mission in Afghanistan and this latest addition to the RAF fleet will further strengthen the airbridge between Britain and the front line,” Hammond said.
"We are proceeding with major equipment programmes with renewed confidence now that the MOD's core equipment programme is fully funded and affordable."
The C-17's huge capacity means it can carry loads weighing up to 70 tonnes - equating to three Warrior armoured vehicles, or even a Tornado fast jet.
Since entering service with the RAF in 2001, C-17 aircraft have logged more than 60,000 flight hours.