Final C-27J Spartan airlifter delivered to Royal Australian Air Force.

The 10th and final twin-engine airlifter Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi) C-27J Spartan for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been welcomed into service during a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond, as reported on 18 April.

Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi) C-27J Spartan for the Royal Australian Air Force (Picture source: RAAF)

Acceptance of the final aircraft marks the completion of the RAAF's upgrade to the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) comprehensive fleet of air mobility platforms. Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne said the Spartan was a highly versatile aircraft that would enhance battlefield airlift capability of the ADF.

"The Spartan provides flexibility to defence operations, allowing us to land at airfields that are smaller or unsuitable for our much larger transport aircraft like the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster," Minister Payne said, as Defence Connect reports. "The Spartan can carry up to five tonnes of cargo and is capable of moving troops, equipment and supplies; conducting aero-medical evacuation missions and conducting air drops."

The Spartans are currently operated by No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, but will relocate to RAAF Base Amberley in early 2019. "The relocation to Amberley will allow No. 35 Squadron to work from facilities purpose-built for the Spartan, and to be more responsive when deploying across Australia and into the Asia Pacific," Minister Payne said.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said Australia’s defence industry would provide important sustainment support for the capability. "Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected to provide through-life support to the fleet," Minister Pyne said. "In addition, Fibre Tech Solutions has delivered a cargo restraint system for use on board the Spartan and other air mobility aircraft, increasing the speed and ease of loading and unloading these aircraft. This project supports jobs at both RAAF Base Richmond and Amberley, and will contribute toward developing Australian defence industry into the future."

Initial Operating Capability for the Spartan was declared in late 2016, and Final Operating Capability is scheduled to be declared in late 2019.