Image source: topwar.ru
Aviation is essential for medical evacuations, disaster management, and logistics operations in remote areas. Therefore, Peru is already ordering the fifth C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft from Italy to replace the AN-32.
This was reported in the press service of the manufacturer, the Italian company Leonardo.
The plane is expected to arrive in Peru in 2027. It differs from the other four because it comes in the Next Generation configuration. This means updated avionics and aerodynamic upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and performance.
The first C-27J Spartan entered service with the Peruvian Air Force in 2015. Since then, the Peruvian military has been actively using their existing fleet of these aircraft, especially for flights over the Andes and in remote areas devoid of a full-fledged aviation infrastructure.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Spartan is designed primarily for take-off from short unpaved runways. At the same time, poor lighting and minimal ground infrastructure are not obstacles to their operation. Therefore, it has become indispensable in this mountainous Latin American country.
Previously, Soviet An-32s were used for these purposes, which served in Peru for a long time. But in the end, they became mentally and physically obsolete. Then in 2013, it was decided to replace them with more modern Italian C-27J Spartan.
And recently, Saudi Arabia acquired four units of a different version of the C-27J. We are talking about the C-27J MPA maritime patrol aircraft. Deliveries of these machines will begin in 2029. The aircraft will perform tasks related to maritime surveillance, anti-ship and anti-submarine operations, search and rescue, and logistics.
