Slovenia has received the second C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, assigned to the 15th Aviation Wing of the Slovenian Armed Forces.
The aircraft arrived at the Cerklje ob Krki Airport in Brežice, in the country’s east.
Colonel Gauba Janez, Commander of the 15th Military Aviation and Air Defense Brigade, emphasized that the acquisition enhances Slovenia’s capacity of “providing air operations in support of peace and in the system of protection, rescue and assistance.”
Through this delivery, Ljubljana aims to ensure it can properly address emerging security challenges.
Slovenian Minister of Defense Borut Sajovic stated that the Spartans enhance the country’s capabilities for transporting personnel and material without relying on foreign forces.
C-27J Spartan
The C-27J Spartan features a glass cockpit with five multi-functional color displays, a tactical radar system, and advanced communication technologies.
The aircraft is interoperable with other transport planes and supports in-flight refueling.
It has a maximum take-off weight of 70,107 pounds (31,800 kilograms) and can carry a payload of up to 24,912 pounds (11,300 kilograms).
It can transport up to 46 troops and reaches a top cruise speed of 325 knots (374 miles/602 kilometers per hour).
Previous Acquisitions
Slovenia ordered the Leonardo-made aircraft in August 2023 as part of a procurement package that also included six multipurpose helicopters, with a total budget of $174.5 million.
This order supplemented an initial 2021 contract for two C-27J Spartan, valued at $96.4 million, the first one was delivered in December 2023.