In July, the milestone was reached by the tactical aircraft that represents the Armed Force's most recent transport component. The C-27J tactical transport aircraft represents the Italian Air Force's most recent transport component, capable of ensuring the air mobility of personnel and vehicles in national and international operational scenarios. The 12 new aircraft equipping the Italian Air Force fleet, designed and manufactured by Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company), were delivered to the 46th Air Brigade between 2007 and 2009 and have so far demonstrated high operational efficiency, guaranteeing the Armed Force complete readiness to carry out the missions to which the aircraft have been assigned from time to time. Since 2008, the C-27Js of the 98th Flight Group of the 46th Air Brigade have been deployed in support operations for the Italian military contingent in Afghanistan, where they have amply demonstrated reliability and flexibility, successfully completing missions in the demanding operational theatre. In 2009, the crews also carried out airdrops for Italian and allied Task Forces engaged in the Afghan Theatre of Operations.
