Royal Australian Air Force Eyes Commercial Replacement
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced plans to retire its fleet of 10 Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, citing sustainment difficulties and poor availability rates. The decision, outlined in the 2026 National Defence Strategy, will see the C-27J replaced with commercial airframes to support personnel and logistics transport across the Pacific. The RAAF has also ordered 20 new C-130J Hercules from Lockheed Martin, which may offset the loss of the Spartan. This development was first reported by AeroTime.