RAAF Selects C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift

Alenia Aermacchi has confirmed that the Australian government has selected the C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft to replace its Caribou aircraft fleet, which was retired from service in 2009. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will purchase 10 new built C-27J under a contract valued at around €800 million.

The acquisition of the aircraft will take place under a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the US government, through a contract awarded in partnership to L-3 as prime contractor, and Alenia Aermacchi.

According to Aleina Aermacchi, the contract will also include associated support equipment, several years of initial logistic support, training for aircrew and maintenance personnel and additional capability to ensure that the RAAF can operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.


First aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2015 with the Initial Operating Capability scheduled for the end of 2016.

The company believes that the C-27J will complement the capabilities of the RAAF C-130 and C-17 aircraft, as it uses common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.