C-27Js for the RAAF

During an interview conduced this March at RAAF Base Richmond, Air Commodore “K-9” Kourelakos, the Air Mobility Group (AMG) Commander for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) discussed the role of the C-27J within the RAAF.

In fact, Air Commodore Kourelakos was the transition officer in charge of the C-27J effort.

He highlighted that he saw the C-27J as a very flexible aircraft able to land in Australia and in the periphery of Australia on a much wider range of airfields than even the C-130.

He told us that they have even practiced operating a C-27J on a highway.

The Special Forces have gotten the point of why this is a good capability for the ADF, but the RAAF is working the issue with the broader Australian Army.

They are engaged in the upcoming Hamel exercise and other events to familiarize the Army with its capabilities for operation on Australian territory or the periphery.

In our discussion later in the week with the Commander of  Combat Support Group, we focused on the need to provide for more flexible basing within Australia to deal with the kinds of strike threats being posed by adversaries in the region.

Clearly, the C-27J could be part of the ADF’s response to shaping more mobility in the air combat force.

The video highlights the ceremony  held at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Richmond to welcome the tenth and final C-27J Spartan to Australia, April 18, 2018.

In service with No 35 Squadron, the fleet of Spartans provide a battlefield airlift capability for the Australian Defence Force, and are intended to supplement the existing Army and Navy fleet of helicopters in the airlift role.

RAAF C-27J Spartans will provide airlift to Defence Operations in warlike environments, as well as support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions, being able to deliver payloads and personnel to airfields that are unsuitable for larger aircraft.

Australian Department of Defence

April 18, 2018