Slovenia expands its air fleet

The second of the two C-27J Spartan tactical military aircraft ordered by Slovenia from Italy touched down at the Cerklje ob Krki airbase on 17 December, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Slovenia commissioned the first Spartan in 2021 and the second one following a wildfire in the Kras region in the summer of 2022. The price tag for both is just under €129 million excluding VAT.

Named for Slovenian aviation pioneer Edvard Rusjan, the aircraft produced by the Italian manufacturer Leonardo arrived in Slovenia a year after the first one, named after literary character Martin Krpan.

Defence Minister Borut Sajovic said the aircraft will play an important role in transport of troops as well as in potential firefighting campaigns, making Slovenia less dependent on other countries.

The aircraft will also be used in transport of cargo, equipment and vehicles, in evacuations and medical transports, and to drop cargo and parachuters, according to Janez Gaube, the commander of the 15th Military Aviation Regiment of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF).

Military aviation is a key component of modern armed forces, allowing a variety of aviation operations, Gaube said. "We are proud of every plane flying under Slovenian colours and every individual dedicated to Slovenia's security."

The Ministry of Defence said it was essential for the SAF to have at least two aircraft to ensure constant airworthiness.

The passenger transport and firefighting modules have also been commissioned and are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025.

The ministry is currently working on investment plans for a new hangar for the Spartans, but until then, they will be kept in hangar tents.