TSAMTO, December 25th. On December 20, Leonardo Group announced the transfer of the first (of two ordered) BTA C-27J Next Generation aircraft to the Slovenian Ministry of Defense.
The contract for their supply was concluded within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement between Italy and Slovenia signed on November 17, 2021.
The aircraft is equipped with a glass cabin with five multifunctional color screens, radar for tactical transport tasks, modern communication systems, including satellite, ballistic protection of important elements and wingtips that improve its aerodynamic characteristics.
As stated, the C-27J was chosen by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense because it fully meets the requirements for air transportation and can be used in international operations. In addition, the aircraft is planned to be used in rescue operations, in providing assistance to victims of natural disasters and extinguishing fires. Slovenia also intends to use the C-27J in a new fire-fighting configuration equipped with a palletized fire extinguishing system of the latest generation MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System) developed by United Aeronautical Corporation.
In accordance with the customer's requirements, the modular architecture of the aircraft allows the integration of in-flight refueling, self-defense, secure communications and ballistic protection systems on board for operation in high-threat conditions during the transportation of goods, light vehicles and troops. In accordance with new market requirements, due to the versatility of the C-27J, it can be quickly reconfigured to the version required for defense or civil protection tasks.
As reported by CAMTO, the intergovernmental agreement under which Slovenia acquires C-27J aircraft was signed on November 17, 2021 by Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini and Slovenian Defense Minister Matej Tonin.
The contract for the supply of the first C-27J Spartan aircraft for the Slovenian Air Force was signed with Leonardo Group on March 30, 2022. The agreement also provides for the supply of additional equipment for medical evacuation, the provision of training services, and integrated logistical support for two years.
The cost of the implementation agreement signed in 2021 is about 72 million euros, including VAT. At the same time, the base price of the aircraft is 48 million euros, the price of additional modules (cargo module, passenger transport module, module for transporting infected persons, module for transporting the lightly and seriously injured with a vital function control and fire extinguishing module) is 11 million euros. The total cost also includes material support, spare parts, crew training, simulators, technical documentation and certification.
The amendment signed in September 2023 provides for the purchase of a second C-27J aircraft of the same configuration as the first, with a two-year warranty for 45.408 million euros (excluding VAT).
In addition to the above-mentioned costs for the purchase of the first and second aircraft, it is necessary to pay for the supply of ground support equipment, comprehensive logistical support, training, spare parts, fire extinguishing systems and a passenger transport module. The cost of purchasing two aircraft also includes the expenses of the Italian Military Aviation Authority and the administrative expenses of the Italian Ministry of Defense for the duration of the executive agreement.
Taking into account additional ground equipment, spare parts and related services, the total cost of purchasing two C-27J aircraft is 128.912 million euros (excluding VAT).
Delivery of the second aircraft is expected in December 2024.
