Alenia Aermacchi has signed a contract with the Slovak Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the delivery of C-27J Spartan tactical airlift aircraft to the country’s air force.
Under the agreement, the company will supply two C-27J Spartan aircraft to the Slovak Air Force. Also provided will be the associated initial logistic support and the training of pilots and maintenance personnel.
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The contract represents the first step of Slovak Armed Forces’ modernisation programme.
Alenia said in a statement: "The Slovak Armed Forces intend to increase their own contribution within Nato and the C-27J Spartan, thanks to its excellent capabilities in operational scenarios, is the fundamental means to assure full interoperability with other bigger-size heavy airlifters used in international coalitions."
Selected against Airbus Defence and Space’s C295 and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, the aircraft is scheduled to replace the Slovak Air Force’s ageing Antonov An-26 transport fleet, as reported by IHS Jane’s.
While the company withheld the contract value and delivery schedule, IHS Jane’s World Air Forces estimates that the deal is worth €120m and the aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2016 and 2017.
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By GlobalDataPowered by two AE 2100D3 turboshaft engines, the C-27J Spartan is a multi-mission aircraft designed to conduct cargo transportation, logistic support of military units and electronic surveillance, as well as fire fighting and search-and-rescue operations.
Around 78 aircraft have been ordered to date by a number of air forces. This includes Australia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Romania, US and an undisclosed African country, in addition to Slovakia.
Image: C-27J Spartan is scheduled to replace Slovak Air Force’s ageing Antonov An-26 fleet. Photo: courtesy of Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica Company.
