ROME / RIYADH : Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Italian aerospace and defense company Leonardo for the acquisition of four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). Deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces are scheduled to begin in 2029. The aircraft will expand the navy’s capabilities in maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), and tactical transport.
The agreement makes Saudi Arabia the 21st global operator of the C-27J platform and introduces the first fully armed configuration of the C-27J MPA variant.
Armed Maritime Configuration
Under the contract, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ aircraft will feature integrated maritime weapon systems in addition to standard patrol and surveillance equipment. The configuration allows for the carriage and deployment of anti-ship missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and depth charges, depending on mission requirements.
This marks the first procurement of the C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft with full maritime weapons integration, enabling the platform to conduct active engagements against surface vessels and underwater threats alongside surveillance operations.
Mission Management and Sensor Integration
The aircraft will be equipped with Leonardo’s Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission management system. ATOS provides data fusion capabilities that combine tracking and identification inputs from specialized maritime sensors installed onboard.
The system architecture supports real-time information exchange with ground control centers and joint operational units. The communications suite is designed to maintain secure connectivity in Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) conditions and in high-threat environments, supporting coordinated maritime domain awareness and operational command functions.
Platform and Modularity
The Maritime Patrol Aircraft variant is based on the C-27J Spartan Next Generation platform. The aircraft incorporates updated avionics, advanced navigation systems, and integrated self-protection systems compatible with both military and civil airspace operations.
Despite the addition of maritime combat systems, the aircraft retains its modular, multi-mission design. The ATOS mission consoles and associated sensor components are configured in a roll-on/roll-off arrangement, allowing them to be removed when required. This enables rapid reconfiguration of the cabin for standard tactical airlift operations, including troop transport, cargo delivery, equipment airdrops, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.
Fleet Expansion in Saudi Arabia
The contract follows a separate in-country acquisition completed in the summer of 2025, under which Saudi Arabia introduced two C-27J aircraft configured for aerial firefighting, cargo transport, and medical evacuation roles.
With the addition of the four maritime patrol aircraft, the C-27J fleet in Saudi Arabia will expand to six aircraft across multiple mission configurations.
Global Operations and Flight Record
The C-27J platform continues to receive investment from Leonardo to expand mission-specific capabilities. The global Spartan fleet has accumulated more than 290,000 flight hours across various operators worldwide. Maritime-configured versions of the aircraft are already in operational service with agencies including the United States Coast Guard.
The four new aircraft for Saudi Arabia are expected to enhance the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ capacity for persistent maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations, and multi-role logistical support once deliveries begin in 2029.
——— End of Article ———
