Slovenia Receives First Leonardo C-27J Spartan Tactical Transport Aircraft

In adherence to the Italy-Slovenia Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement signed on 17 November 2021, Leonardo has successfully delivered the first C-27J Next Generation aircraft to the Slovenian Ministry of Defence.

This marks the first of two aircraft specified in the contract between the two nations.

The C-27J Next Generation aircraft boasts advanced avionics, featuring a glass cockpit equipped with five multifunction color screens, a radar optimized for tactical transport missions, communication systems, a satellite system, ballistic protection, and aerodynamically enhancing winglets.

Within the framework of the G2G Agreement, Leonardo, in collaboration with the Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate of the Secretariat General of Defence/National Armaments Directorate, has executed two contracts over the last two years. Each contract includes one aircraft, along with logistics and training services.

The selection of the C-27J by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence aligns with the country's diverse operational needs, encompassing transport and projection capabilities for international operations. The aircraft is also poised to support national efforts in rescue operations, disaster relief, and firefighting duties. The Slovenian program envisions utilizing the C-27J in a new firefighting configuration, equipped with the latest generation Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System (MAFFS II) palletized firefighting system from United Aeronautical Corporation.

The C-27J Next Generation's system architecture ensures a cost-effective solution for tactical operational requirements, ensuring interoperability with other higher category transport aircraft. The aircraft's modular architecture facilitates integration with in-flight refueling, self-protection, secure communications, and ballistic protection systems, allowing it to operate effectively in high-threat environments for transporting materials, light vehicles, and personnel.

With over 90 units ordered, Leonardo's Spartan, known for its versatility and design, continues to evolve in capacity and performance. It is well-suited for various military applications, including airdrops of paratroopers and materials, tactical support to ground forces, special forces operations, Maritime Patrol (MP), Command-Control-Communications (C3), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and humanitarian/aero-medical assistance in challenging geographical, environmental, and operational contexts.