Rabat has purchased the C-27J Spartan tactical air transport planes from the Italian group Alenia Aeronautica, a subsidiary of the aerospace and defence giant Finmeccanica.

The C-27J Spartan is capable of multiple roles, from troop transport and medical operations, to search and rescue missions, and humanitarian assistance.

Finmeccanica and Alenia Aeronautica recently agreed a partnership with Mubadala Development Company in Abu Dhabi.

Finmeccanica will partner Mubadala to manufacture aerospace components for civilian aircraft, with Alenia Aeronautica providing technology, technical assistance and specialised training.