11:02 GMT, November 1, 2008 NAPLES, Italy |The refurbishment and modernization of 18 G.222s, purchased by the United States Air Force and destined for the re-established Afghan Air Force, has begun at Alenia Aeronautica’s Capodichino plant in Naples.

On September 30, Alenia North America signed a $287 million contract to provide 18 refurbished and modernized G.222 aircraft. The aircraft were previously in service with the Italian Air Force and reacquired by Alenia Aeronautica in conjunction with the Italian Air Force’s acquisition of a new fleet of C-27J Spartans. The aircraft are to be modernized at Capodichino with state of the art avionics and general improvements according to the specific requirements of the United States Air Force. Two of these craft will be outfitted for a VIP soundproof module and equipped with seats, desks and a pantry so as to be used for the transport of Afghan leaders.

Four G.222s, sent from Pisa and Pratica di Mare air bases, have already arrived at Capodichino to begin the refurbishment and modernization process. The eighteen G.222s to be provided to the Afghan National Army Air Corps were produced between 1977 and 1985 in several avionic and cockpit configurations. As part of the modernization effort, all 18 will be upgraded to a standard avionic and system configuration, with a new autopilot system, ballistic protection and new maintenance operations. The refurbishment and modernizations are anticipated to last between 12 and 15 months per aircraft.

The first refurbished and modernized G.222 will be delivered to the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan halfway through 2009 and the entire supply will be complete by 2011.