Alenia Aermacchi has won contract worth about 100 million euros to supply the Peruvian Ministry of Defense with 2 C-27J Spartan tactical airlifters.
The C-27J - known as the only true military transport aircraft of its category available on the market - has been selected by the Fuerza Aerea del Perù due to its proven operational flexibility at competitive costs; the best performances in its class in all operational and environmental conditions and because it is the only aircraft in its class interoperable with heavier airlifters already in service in Peru.
“The choice by the Peruvian MoD – said the Company- is a confirmation that, when an air force has a stringent airlift requirement in terms of performances and capabilities, the Spartan is the only solution able to guarantee an excellent value for money. The C-27J is a clear example of the capabilities of the Italian aeronautical industry, but this success is also the result of the intense relationship between Italy and Peru in the defense field since 2002 and which is constantly renewed through the years”.
The selection process held by the Peruvian MoD was meticulous and lasted almost 3 years. The requirement asked for an aircraft able to operate in total safety in the most difficult conditions as those found over the Andes. During the operational evaluation run in Peru, the C-27J demonstrated its capability to perform a variety of missions including transport of civilians, troops, materials and medicines, logistical re-supply, MEDEVAC, airdrop operations, search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian assistance and operations in support of homeland security and Civil Protection, with the capability to operate on a large number of airfields where its competitor is unable to land.
The Spartan has already been ordered by the air forces of: Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, Morocco, Mexico, United States, Australia and by an undisclosed African country for a total of 74 aircraft. The aircraft has also been selected by Slovakia and the contract is under negotiation.