Aircraft

The Lithuanian air force has introduced its second of three Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan tactical transports acquired under a June 2006 order worth €75 million ($97.5 million). The aircraft was delivered to Siauliai air base in early December and was formally named on 17 December.

Lithuania received its first C-27J in December 2006, and its third is scheduled for acceptance in the first half of this year. The aircraft share the same configuration as the Italian air force's C-27Js, including an air-to-air refuelling receptacle and defensive aids equipment, while medical evacuation and VIP transport modules have also been acquired.

© Lithuanian air force

Alenia Aeronautica has meanwhile completed the instruction of two of four operation and maintenance teams for Lithuania's C-27Js at its Turin Caselle facilities in Italy.