C-27J Spartan Takes Italy-Azerbaijan Defence Ties to New Heights

Our Bureau - : Sep 24, 2024 - : 5:49 pm

Azerbaijan and Italy have taken a major step in their bilateral relations by starting military-technical cooperation. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in Baku in June this year, marking a milestone in the history of Azerbaijan-Italy...

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Azerbaijan and Italy have taken a major step in their bilateral relations by starting military-technical cooperation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in Baku in June this year, marking a milestone in the history of Azerbaijan-Italy relations. President Aliyev mentioned that "a new chapter has been opened in bilateral relations and the two countries have already embarked on military-technical cooperation."

Emphasizing that Italy has a highly developed military-technical industry, the head of state described the delivery of the "C-27J Spartan" military transport aircraft to Azerbaijan Air Force as an indicator of the high level of relations between the two countries.

The Air Force unveiled the first C-27J Spartan NG military transport aircraft in July this year.
The commercial collaboration between Italy and Azerbaijan was strengthened with the signing of the contract for the supply of the C-27J Spartan in June, 2023. The C-27J Spartan aircraft will be used for military transport, airdrops of paratroopers and cargo, as well as medical missions.

According to Leonardo, the makers of C-27J, the collaboration between Italy and Azerbaijan, initially linked to the energy sectors, has been now extended to defence industry products, thanks to the valuable contribution provided by the Italian Ministry of Defence working group.

The programme for the purchase of the C-27J from Leonardo, a tactical transport aircraft, was finalized through a technical round table between the Italian Ministry of Defence and its Azeri counterpart.

The agreement is part of the extensive modernisation programme of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which are increasingly looking to the products of Italian industry.
Deployed in the most challenging geographic, environmental and operating conditions, Leonardo’s C-27J Spartan is an aircraft capable of executing a vast range of defence and civil protection missions.

Extensive experience gained in operations with different air forces worldwide makes it the ideal aircraft for military transport missions, airdrops of paratroopers and materials, ‘last mile’ tactical troop support, special forces operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, according to Leonardo.

The mutually beneficial relationship with Italy holds a significant place in Azerbaijan's foreign policy. The two countries share strong traditions of friendship and cooperation, with their partnership grounded in mutual respect for each other’s interests.

During Defence Minister Crosetto's visit to Baku recently, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Italy are based on strategic partnership. He thanked his Italian colleague for being in Azerbaijan on the significant day of the country - Armed Forces Day and the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Army.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy. The sides exchanged views on prospects for the development of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational and other fields, as well as on a number of issues of common interest. The necessity for further expansion of military relations between Azerbaijan and Italy based on strategic partnership was emphasized at the meeting.

C-27j-spartan / Leonardo / Azerbaijan-air-force /

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