Leonardo has signed a multi-year contract to deliver logistics and simulator support for the Italian Air Force’s fleet of C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, covering operations at the service’s International Training Centre in Pisa.
The agreement, running from 2026 to 2028, ensures that Rome’s fleet of 12 aircraft operates at peak efficiency while extending technical and maintenance support to the training center’s full-motion simulator.
Under the performance-based model, Leonardo will manage technical and administrative services at the Pisa and Pratica di Mare bases.
The C-27J Spartan’s versatility is central to this program: with two powerful turboprop engines, it can operate from unprepared runways and in extreme environmental conditions.
Its cabin can be reconfigured into 11 mission-specific layouts, ranging from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation and advanced firefighting, each deployable within 30 minutes.
Leonardo Partnerships With Italy’s Defense
Leonardo’s work with the Italian defense sector extends far beyond the C-27J program.
The company co-manages the International Flight Training School in a joint venture with CAE, providing pilot training on the M‑346 jet using full-mission simulators and ground-based systems.
It also delivers full-spectrum maintenance training for Italy’s aviation technicians, covering fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft system, and avionics, strengthening readiness and sustainment capabilities.
Additionally, Leonardo contributes to the Global Combat Air Programme, supporting concept and assessment phases for Rome’s next-generation fighter jet.
The company has also signed long-term support agreements for rotary-wing platforms, including the AW139 and AW189 helicopters, both domestically and internationally.
