Slovenian Defense Minister Marjan Šarec has signed a contract to procure a second C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft from Italy.
The agreement builds on a 48-million-euro ($51.26 million) foreign military sale in November 2021, which ordered a single C-27J, corresponding ballistic modules, medevac capabilities, and a decontamination system.
The order, valued at 45.4 million euros ($48.58 million), is expected to deliver the same configuration as the initial aircraft and includes a two-year warranty.
The cost of both purchases, including certification, logistics support, insurance, and maintenance, will be 128.91 million euros ($137.68 million), excluding value-added tax.
Two Tactical Cargo Aircraft by 2024
According to the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, construction of the first C-27J is complete and is currently being certified.
Italy will hand the aircraft over later this year, while the second will be shipped in December 2024.
The new tactical cargo platforms will be flown as the Slovenian Air Force’s primary assets for international deployments.
They will also be used to support missions with other state authorities and military efforts within the EU and NATO.
Furthermore, the C-27Js will be employed for civil protection during natural disasters and support partner countries lacking aerial transport capabilities.
“The two aircraft will thus provide capacity and fill the gaps when one aircraft is unavailable due to maintenance,” the defense ministry said.
“Despite a two-year gap since the signing of the Implementing Agreement under which we purchased the first C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, we managed to negotiate a price reduction of almost €3.5 million.”
“The firefighting and passenger transport modules already purchased will be able to be used interchangeably by both aircraft.”
New Helicopters
On top of the C-27J acquisition, Slovenia in August announced plans to buy a fleet of six helicopters to replace its Bell 412s.
The purchase, estimated at $217 million, is expected to bolster the country’s special operations unit, combat search and rescue capabilities, and transport operations.
The country has yet to reveal which helicopter model was acquired.