LONDON • Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain will buy a new Boeing C-17 military aircraft to help move troops around.

Cameron's announcement followed a critical report by U.K. lawmakers warning that Britain would struggle to mount a Libya-style mission in the future as sweeping defense cuts come into force.

The prime minister says evacuating civilians from Libya brought home the importance of transport aircraft for the Ministry of Defense and Royal Air Force.

Cameron told lawmakers Wednesday the government had "found savings" to allow for the purchase of another C-17 - Britain's 8th.

His office did not immediately respond to questions about the price.

He described the C-17 purchase as "an important investment for the country."