Leonardo has handed over to the Slovenian Ministry of Defence the inaugural unit of two C-27J Next Generation aircraft, contracted under the Italy-Slovenia Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement, which was formalized on 17 November 2021. The aircraft boasts state-of-the-art avionics, featuring a glass cockpit with five multifunctional colour displays, a radar system for tactical transport operations, advanced communication systems, a satellite connectivity system, ballistic shielding, and winglets that further enhance its aerodynamic efficiency.
As part of the G2G Agreement between the two nations, Leonardo and the Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate of the Secretariat General of Defence / National Armaments Directorate have established two contracts in the past two years, each encompassing one aircraft alongside logistics and training provisions. The selection of the C-27J by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence effectively addresses a variety of operational requirements in terms of transport and deployment capabilities in global missions. This also complements national responsibilities for search and rescue, disaster management, and fire-fighting operations. The Slovenian initiative plans to utilize the C-27J in the newly adapted fire-fighting configuration, outfitted with the cutting-edge MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System) palletized system from United Aeronautical Corporation, a global leader in aerial firefighting solutions.
The system framework of the C-27J Next Generation guarantees a cost-efficient response for all tactical operational requirements identified by the market, ensuring interoperability with other higher category transport aircraft. To fulfill operator expectations, the aircraft’s modular architecture facilitates the integration of in-flight refueling, self-defense mechanisms, secure communications, and ballistic protection systems for operation in high-risk environments, enabling the transportation of cargo, light vehicles, and personnel. Due to the flexibility of the platform, the C-27J can be swiftly reconfigured using kits and roll-on/roll-off mission systems as necessary to conduct defense and civil protection missions, aligning with evolving market needs.
With over 90 units commissioned to function in the most demanding geographical, environmental, and operational scenarios, Leonardo’s Spartan is continually enhancing its capabilities and performance, owing to its design and inherent versatility. It is proficient in executing highly effective and cost-efficient military transport operations, airdropping troops and supplies, providing tactical support to ground forces, special operations, Maritime Patrol (MP), Command-Control-Communications (C3), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), as well as conducting humanitarian/aero-medical assistance and support missions for communities affected by environmental catastrophes.
