Alenia North America Delivers Third C-27/G.222 Aircraft to U.S. Air Force for the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC)

Capodichino (Naples) Italy – January 15, 2010 - Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica and a part of the Finmeccanica Group, delivered the third Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) C-27/G.222 aircraft to the United States Air Force. Following the December 2009 delivery at Alenia’s Capodichino facility near Naples, the aircraft was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. There are currently three program aircraft deployed and in theater flying with the Combined Air Power Transition Force (CAPTF).

Full scale production and refurbishment continues at Capodichino with ten aircraft in modernization. All modernization for the 18 C-27/G.222 program aircraft is being carried out at the Capodichino plant where the original assembly of the C-27/G.222 aircraft was performed.

Designed as a true military airlift, the C-27/G.222 is capable of taking off and landing in almost any operating condition. Proven as a dependable and robust aircraft, the C-27/G.222 can operate successfully even in harsh and austere environments. The C-27/G.222 has been a critical capability in numerous missions including humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, fire fighting, medical evacuation, troop transport, and logistical support around the world.

The C-27/G.222 is currently in operation with the Nigerian Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the U.S. State Department, and the Italian Air Force (version VS, electronic intelligence).

About the C-27/G.222 ANAAC Program

In 2008, Finmeccanica’s subsidiary Alenia North America was awarded a contract by the United States Air Force to supply 18 refurbished C-27/G.222 aircraft for the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC). The 18 refurbished aircraft will be used by the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. They will be transferred by the Combined Air Power Transition Force in Kabul to the reconstructed ANAAC. The C-27/G.222 will serve as the back bone of the ANAAC and aid significantly in expanding the capability of the ANAAC to provide humanitarian aid and security to the Afghan population throughout the country.

Alenia North America, as prime contractor, is responsible for program management. The aircraft are being refurbished and modernized by Alenia Aeronautica in its Capodichino facility near Naples, Italy. Logistical support in Afghanistan is being carried out by Alenia North America’s subcontractor, L-3 Vertex Aerospace.