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USAF C-27A
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The Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) is just getting to its feet, with about 6 flyable AN-32s and a pair of AN-26 light transport aircraft, about 38 Mi-17 assault transports and Mi-35 attack helicopters combined, and a small fleet of L-39 trainer/ light attack aircraft. Many of its pilots are older men, and ANAAC has not graduated a new pilot since 1992.

An 8-year plan has been drawn up to begin training a new crop of pilots, and expand the air force. The ultimate goal is a force that can support the Afghan Army against al-Qaeda/ Taliban elements that launch raids within the country, or from across the border with Pakistan. Given Afghanistan’s rugged terrain and sparse infrastructure, however, a decision has been made to make tactical transportation of troops and supplies ANACC’s top priority. This explains US NAVAIR’s efforts to secure the Ukrainian AN-32s, which offered familiar technology even though the spares situation is less than ideal.

Now a 3-way deal has been made involving Italy, which will send some of its Alenia G.222 (C-27A) light transports to Afghanistan after a refurbishment program conducted by Alenia North America…

Contracts and Key Events

Sept 29/08: Alenia North America, Inc. of Washington, DC receives a not-to-exceed $287 million firm-fixed-price contract. The program currently includes 18 aircraft in a standardized operational configuration as well as the modules to convert 2 aircraft to a VIP Transport configuration if required.

The G.222/C-27A was not known as an easy aircraft to maintain, but it does feature outstanding short runway performance, and offers proven performance in hot weather and high altitudes. The spares and maintenance issue is being addressed through the program via an initial spare parts inventory, ground support equipment, technical publications in English and Dari, and 3 years worth of contractor logistics support.

The Italian Air Force will provide the aircraft from its own inventory, and they will be refurbished and delivered to Afghanistan through the USAF’s Combined Air Power Transition Force based in Kabul. The C-27As will be delivered commencing in 2009, with deliveries continuing through 2011. Finmeccanica release [PDF] | Defense News | Se also USAF’s Jan 2008 article: “General shares successes, challenges of Afghan air corps”.