The C-27J was originally a joint project between Alenia (Italy - originator of the C-27A), and Lockheed-Martin (C-130J). When LM realized that the C-27J could supplant the need for some C-130Js, they dropped it like it were hot.
Flash Back: The Army used C-7 Caribous in Vietnam, until the Air Force asked if they could get in on that program with the Army. The Army agreed, and the Air Force then asked if they could be the lead service for the program. The Army agreed again, and the Air Force immediately killed the Caribou program [a few remained in the Army Guard, until they were forced (Tip O'Neil and Robert Byrd) to get rid of the Caribou and replace it with the Shorts C-23 (much less capable)].
Flash Forward: The Army wound up with a fixed wing airplane that even the Air Force didn't mind them having. It was truly a turd, no matter how you tried to polish it. As a result, the Army developed force structure and doctrine around this airplane they never asked for. After 9/11, there was so much need for assets in theater, and the doctrine was there, so the C-23s went, and the crews did an incredibly good job with that POS. The Army validated a requirement for 72 C-27s to replace the C-23, the Air Force never validated a requirement for a single airplane, but they asked the Army (like so many years ago) if they could get in on this Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA); they would rename it the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA); the Air Force would obviously have to be the lead service on the program. The Army agreed, and the Air Force quickly killed the program. It's all about retiring from the Air Force, and getting a Job at Lockheed-Martin, making sure the Air Force continues to buy C-130s. Get over it.