AviationNews – Leonardo has secured a significant multi-year logistics support contract with the Italian Air Force to maintain its entire fleet of C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, ensuring the continued high operational readiness of these crucial air assets. This is a major MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) update, solidifying the manufacturer’s role in supporting national defense capabilities.
The newly awarded contract, signed between Leonardo and the Italian National Armaments Directorate (Armaereo), covers in-service support for Italy’s 12-strong C-27J fleet. Operating under a Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) model, the agreement is set to run from 2026 to 2028 and also includes support for the Full Motion Simulator located at the International Training Centre (ITC) in Pisa. The C-27J, originally developed by Leonardo, is a vital component of the Italian Air Force’s transport wing, with aircraft operating out of Pisa and Pratica di Mare bases.
The core of the Spartan’s operational strength lies in its ability to operate effectively in austere and high-threat environments, thanks to its robust structure and powerful twin-turboprop engines. The logistics contract guarantees technical management and maintenance for the entire fleet, minimizing downtime and maximizing the C-27J’s versatility for missions ranging from troop and cargo airlift, paratrooper drops, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), to essential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
“This multi-year agreement reinforces the strong partnership between Leonardo and the Italian Air Force, underpinning the long-term effectiveness of the Spartan fleet,” said a spokesperson for Leonardo. “By implementing our Performance-Based Logistics model, we are not just providing maintenance; we are guaranteeing fleet availability and mission capability, which is paramount for Italy’s operational readiness both domestically and internationally.”
The certainty provided by this multi-year support structure is expected to lead to greater efficiencies and cost-effective fleet management for the Italian Ministry of Defence. This contract ensures the C-27J will remain a highly capable, flexible platform for years to come, ready to adapt to emerging challenges, including participation in NATO and EU operations.
The new PBL contract for the C-27J Spartan fleet guarantees long-term operational effectiveness and high availability for Italy’s tactical airlifter requirements. By leveraging its role as the aircraft’s original manufacturer, Leonardo secures a significant defense sector MRO contract while directly supporting national security and civil protection missions through 2028.
