Turkey seeks interim buy of C-27Js or C-295s

With deliveries of its first Airbus Military A400Ms having slipped from December 2009 until early 2013, Turkey has announced plans to acquire an interim capability including 10 tactical transports.

Turkey's undersecretariat for defence industries, the SSM, plans to start a project shortly, with a selection to be made by mid-2010 between the Airbus Military C-295 and Alenia Aeronautica's C-27J Spartan.

The Turkish air force operates 13 Lockheed Martin C-130B/Es, 50 Airbus Military CN-235s and has an active fleet of fewer than 20 C160 Transalls. The service is to receive 10 A400Ms.

The SSM has also outlined a new air force requirement for a stand-off jammer capability. Five aircraft are required, with Ankara considering a business/regional jet conversion involving types such as the Bombardier Global Express and Embraer ERJ-145. Turkey had previously considered adapting the A400M for the role.

Posted in: transport aircraft,Turkey