Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs has ordered two Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft to support emergency response, civil protection and humanitarian missions.
Unlike the seven C-27Js already operated by the Romanian Air Force, the new aircraft will be flown by the General Inspectorate of Aviation, an organization under the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for emergency services and aerial support operations.
The aircraft will be used for a range of missions including cargo and personnel transport, medical evacuation, firefighting and search-and-rescue operations. Leonardo said the Spartans will be equipped with roll-on/roll-off mission kits that allow rapid reconfiguration for different tasks.
The contract includes training, logistics support, infrastructure and mission equipment. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029.
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The order will increase Romania's Spartan fleet to nine aircraft and marks the first acquisition of the latest-generation C-27J variant by the country. Leonardo said the updated configuration features new avionics, improved communications systems and aerodynamic enhancements while maintaining compatibility with the Romanian Air Force's existing fleet.
The deal adds to a series of recent C-27J orders secured by Leonardo. Saudi Arabia signed a contract earlier this year for four maritime patrol aircraft based on the Spartan platform, while Peru ordered an additional C-27J that will bring its fleet of the type to five aircraft.
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According to Leonardo, the latest Romanian order raises the global C-27J program total to 102 aircraft ordered by 22 operators in 19 countries. The manufacturer says the worldwide fleet has accumulated more than 295,000 flight hours.
Romania has operated the Spartan since 2010, with its military fleet logging more than 30,000 flight hours in transport, medical evacuation, firefighting and training missions.
