Alenia Aeronautica has delivered its first of four C-27J Spartan tactical transports to the Moroccan air force.

The North African country signed a contract worth about €130 million ($165 million) with the Italian company in October 2008, which industry and local sources say also includes a two-year package of training and logistics support, plus options for a VIP module.

Industry sources say Morocco's aircraft will be delivered in a configuration similar to that already in service with other international C-27J customers, including provisions for a self-protection suite.

C-27J Morocco -  Alenia Aeronautica 
© Alenia Aeronautica

The new transports will replace some of the air force's Lockheed Martin C-130Hs. Local sources say the Spartan was selected because of its ability to conduct operations without deployed ground support, and to operate under extreme environmental conditions.

Source: Flight International