Leonardo Aeronautics Has Presented A New C-27J Report To The Chilean Air Force.

Rome/Santiago; August 2026: Leonardo Aeronautics has continued to develop its C-27J Spartan proposal to the Chilean Air Force (FACh), within the framework of the evaluation process that the institution maintains to renew and complement its air transport capacity. As the company’s official release, the representatives of the Italian company have again approached the Chilean Air Force’s Development and Projects Division to present opportunities for additional support, based on the technical and economic proposal already submitted to the country, after a high level communications held on 06th July, 2026, at Santiago, which was attended by Omar Bertini, International Sales Manager for Chile at Leonardo Aeronautics, and Gaetano Ferlazzo, Regional Manager for Central and South America for the aircraft line.

The communications have encompassed the detailing of the twin-engine C-27J Spartan aircraft’s technical specifications, reviewing the previously submitted technical and economic proposal, and while addressing the logistics and supply chain support issues.

Leonardo’s C-27J Spartan – The C-27J Spartan is positioned as a high-performance, multi-role platform with a maximum takeoff weight of 31,800 kg and a payload capacity of up to 11,300 kg or 46 troops (expandable to 60 in a high-density configuration). Equipped with two Rolls-Royce AE 2100-D2A engines and 06 bladed Dowty R-391 propellers, it achieves a maximum cruise speed of 602 km/h and a service ceiling of 9,144 meters. It stands out for its ability to operate from short and unprepared runways, a height and tilt-adjustable cargo floor, and aerodynamics and avionics improvements that provide greater range, climb rate, and operational flexibility compared to direct competitors, making it ideal for tactical, humanitarian, and support missions in remote environments. The Chilean Air Force (FACh) is analysing proposals from several platforms: the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, the Leonardo C-27J Spartan, the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, and, more recently, the Airbus A400M Atlas, with a formal offer backed by the Spanish Air Force.

In the case of the A400M, Airbus representatives have held a meeting in June this year (2026) with the Chilean Air Force (FACh), where they highlighted the advantages of the European four-engine aircraft: a payload capacity of up to 37 tons, operation on short and unprepared runways, high cruise speed, and significant range, supported by the operational experience of the Spanish Air Force’s 31st Wing. The aircraft had already generated interest during FIDAE 2026, where a Spanish example participated in the static display and was actively promoted to Chilean authorities.

C-130 Hercules – The current fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft continues to play a central role in logistical, humanitarian, and Antarctic missions, even after upgrades such as the incorporation of Collins Aerospace NP2000 propellers. However, its aging necessitates future planning, evaluating not only technical capabilities but also life-cycle costs, training packages, maintenance, and, especially, the industrial trade-offs that could involve the Chilean National Aeronautics Company (ENAER) and other national companies.

The C-27J Spartan is presented as a multi-mission platform capable of operating from short or unprepared runways. This new approach adds to the previous contacts Leonardo has maintained with the Chilean Air Force (FACh) throughout 2026.

Maverick News 30 would reiterate that it is mention-worthy that Chilean Air Force (FACh) is moving forward in the search for alternatives to renew its tactical and strategic air transport capacity, in a context where the veteran C-130 Hercules aircraft continue to be the mainstay of operations but require a forward-looking approach.

Chilean Air Force evaluation: Chile analyses offers of C-130J, C-27J and KC-390 to renew its air transport.

Industrial competition: Lockheed Martin, Leonardo and Embraer presented proposals with options for cooperation with ENAER.

Current capability: The C-130 fleet remains operational, but faces aging despite improvements such as the NP2000 propellers.

Over the past few months, the institution has received concrete proposals from at least 03 renowned manufacturers. Lockheed Martin presented progress on itsC-130J Super Hercules price quote at FIDAE 2026, and its complete technical and economic proposal was due to be ready and submitted by May of this year. Representatives of the company also highlighted the aircraft’s performance to the Chilean Air Force (FACh), as well as their interest in strengthening their relationship with ENAER, with whom they already have contracts, and the possibility of extending that collaboration to the Chilean Air Force itself.

For its part, the Italian company Leonardo also submitted a technical and economic proposal for the C-27J Spartan. In March 2026, a team led by executives such as Carlo Bassani and Alberto Tutino met at the Chilean Air Force’s Logistics Command to detail the twin-engine aircraft’s specifications and advance the discussions, following the technical and economic proposal submitted to the FACh.

These developments coincide with Embraer ‘s renewed interest in positioning its KC-390 Millennium in the region. The Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh), Air General Hugo Rodríguez, held meetings in 2025 with sales and business development executives from the Brazilian company to review joint projects. This dialogue was reinforced at FIDAE 2026, where President José Antonio Kast himself visited the Embraer stand and posed next to the KC-390, an image that generated considerable interest.

Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto have confirmed to media reporters in mid-May this year (2026) that the company is in active talks with Chile and Colombia regarding potential C-390 acquisitions, amid increased production to meet international demand. “They have the need, they like the aircraft, and they maintain a very close relationship with the Brazilian Air Force”, the executive stated.

Team Maverick.