Bulgarian Spartans

The Bulgarian Defence Ministry chose the C-27J Spartan in April to replace the country's current fleet of Antonov An-26 airlifters. Contract negotiations are under way with Bulgaria expected to order eight aircraft. The new Spartans will support modernization plans for the Bulgarian Armed Forces. The Spartans also meet interoperability standards set for NATO members. Bulgaria has been a NATO member partner since April 2004. The Hellenic Air Force and the Italian Air Force have ordered twelve aircraft each, and deliveries to Greece have begun. The C-27J is manufactured by Alenia Aeronautica of Italy with Lockheed Martin as a principal subcontractor on the program.