Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has ordered two C-27J Spartan Next Generation tactical transport aircraft from Leonardo, in a move that expands the country’s existing C-27J fleet.
The order, announced on 29 May 2026, covers aircraft configured for transport, population support and civil protection roles, complementing missions already carried out by Romanian C-27Js such as tactical airlift, disaster relief and humanitarian support. The new platforms are intended to address the ministry’s specific transport and special mission requirements, distinct from those of the Ministry of National Defense.
The C-27J Spartan Next Generation features a modernized avionics suite with a latest-generation glass cockpit, upgraded communication, navigation and mission systems, and improvements aimed at operational efficiency. The type is designed for operations from short or semi-prepared airstrips, with a payload in the 11–12 ton class and a tactical range typically between about 1,000 and 1,800 km, depending on configuration and load.
The two aircraft will join Romania’s current C-27J fleet, which has been in service for more than a decade. The contract reinforces Leonardo’s backlog for the C-27J and underscores continued customer interest in the Next Generation standard in the medium tactical airlift segment.