US approves continued Boeing work on UK C-17s

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Defense Department on Thursday said it approved continued work by Boeing Co (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) to support Britain's fleet of six Boeing C-17 cargo aircraft, a deal valued at up to $225 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said it had notified Congress on Wednesday about the proposed deal, saying it would help ensure that Britain's military could operate together with U.S. forces.

Lawmakers have 30 days to block the deal, although such action is rare.

DSCA said the deal would cover support for Britain's six C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft, technical and logistics services, support equipment, and spare and repair parts.

It said the deal was worth up to $225 million, if all options were exercised. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)