The Azerbaijani Armed Forces has taken delivery of its first C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft from Italian aerospace firm Leonardo.
The new aircraft was presented to President Ilham Aliyev and several defense officials during a ceremony at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
In photos shared by the country’s defense ministry, Aliyev can be seen inspecting the interior of the tactical airlifter, including its cockpit and controls.
He was also informed about the tactical and technical characteristics of the new plane.
“The aircraft is capable of performing both defense and civil defense missions in complex geographical terrain and operational conditions,” the ministry stated.
The arrival of the C-27J in Baku is part of a 2023 contract with Leonardo for an undisclosed number of Spartan transport aircraft. Rumor has it that one more plane will soon be handed over to the Azerbaijan Air Force.
A ‘Multi-Role’ Aircraft
Launched in 1997, the C-27J has a maximum payload capacity of 11,300 kilograms (24,912 pounds), enough to carry up to 60 troops or 46 casualty stretchers.
It is powered by two Rolls-Royce turboprop engines, providing the ability to take off and land on short and unprepared runways.
It can travel a maximum distance of 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles), with speeds reaching 670 kilometers (416 miles) per hour.
The Spartan also has an electronic self-protection suite to enable instantaneous response to multiple threats.
According to Leonardo, the aircraft can be configured to support maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, command and control, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
In Azerbaijan, the C-27J will be used to transport cargo and military personnel, as well as perform airdrops and medical missions.
