Just as an addition to the comments above re airframes , can I please add into the mix the lighter end , I feel we need a C235 size aircraft, maybe 6 as a min. Firstly, The smaller size would allow us to service all the smaller strips throughout the Pacific and NZ that we havent been to since the loss of the Andovers. The Pacific is our front yard and getting back to the isolated communities is a must . Only a few years ago on Cyclone relief (Vanuatu I think, more coffee needed) the Wx had made the airstrips were unsupportable to large aircraft like C130 so we sent B200s, what a joke as a "mover " of pers or freight. Secondly, Im sure the only reason the C130Hs have served us so well is the fact they were supported by the Bristols, Daks and Andovers over time. They would take some of the "Tactical" load off the Js.
And before we go down the ...RAAF getting rid of C27s , please no, Ive been told the cost per hour is not far off the C130 and the loading systems are not compatible , hence the RAAF are getting rid of.
Side bar , Love the KHI C2 , I was able to look around it when it popped into Wellington , very capable piece of kit , they would compliment the C17 perfectly.