The Afghan Air Force’s (AAF) fleet of C-27 Spartan aircraft has increased to six with the arrival of aircraft 4087.

The AAF received the C-27 aircraft as part of a three-year $368m contract by the US for 18 refurbished aircraft, including maintenance.

The new C-27 will be used to transport high-ranking government officials, including the presidents of Afghanistan and other countries.

A twin-engine turboprop aircraft, the C-27A is capable of short take-off and landing, and is suited to Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and limited road network.

A C-27 can carry up to 44 personnel, 32 paratroopers or 36 litter patients, and 20,000lb of cargo and fuel, and operate on unimproved airfields.