Defence

Alenia Aeronautica has unveiled its first export example of the C-27J Spartan medium transport aircraft in Greek air force colours during a ceremony at its Turin-Caselle airport facilities attended by the service's chief of staff, Gen Georgios Avlonitis.

The aircraft will complete preliminary acceptance trials in Italy in April before being transferred to Greece ahead of customer acceptance by late May.

Ordered in January 2003, Athens' 12 C-27Js will be assigned to 354 Sqn at Elefsis air base, with eight to be delivered this year and the rest in 2006 (Flight International, 4-10 January).

Four Greek crews – each comprising a pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster – have completed training in Italy, in addition to the service's instructor pilots and loadmasters for the new type.

The Greek air force, which has an option to order three more C-27Js before year-end, is also seeking to provide the aircraft with self-protection systems under a joint programme that will also equip its Lockheed Martin C-130H/B transports and Embraer EMB-145 airborne early warning and VIP aircraft.

The newly created Global Military Aircraft Systems venture between Alenia North America and L-3 Integrated Systems is meanwhile awaiting the release of a request for proposals by mid-year for an initial 33 aircraft to replace the US Army's Shorts C-23 Sherpas.

The C-27J is also being promoted to Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Malaysia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

The Greek air force delegation also received presentations on the Aermacchi M346 advanced trainer and the Eurofighter Typhoon during their visit to Alenia Aeronautica.

Company president Giorgio Zappa says that Alenia and its parent company, Finmeccanica, could seek involvement in the future privatisation of the Greek defence industry.

LUCA PERUZZI/GENOA