DefenseLeonardo to supply four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Saudi Arabia
Leonardo will supply four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029.
Saudi Arabia will become the 21st global operator of the type. The aircraft will meet requirements for submarine and surface threat response, and will provide search and rescue (SAR) services.
The deliveries are intended for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. This is the first acquisition of the C-27J MPA with integrated maritime weapons systems. Saudi Arabia has also recently acquired two units of the C-27J for firefighting, cargo transport, and medical evacuation.
The C-27J MPA retains the full baseline capabilities of the C-27J Spartan Next Generation, including updated avionics, navigation, communication, identification and self-protection systems. The configuration is designed to support sustained operations in all-weather and day-night conditions, across both military and civilian-controlled airspace, and in higher-threat environments where enhanced survivability systems are required.
According to the manufacturer, the aircraft’s maritime patrol configuration can be reverted to a standard transport layout by removing mission system consoles and related equipment. Once reconfigured, the platform is able to perform conventional airlift, airdrop and medical evacuation missions, allowing operators to use a single airframe for multiple roles depending on operational needs.
The C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed by Leonardo’s aeronautics division, as an advanced version of the G.222.
Equipped with engines and systems from the C-130J Super Hercules, the C-27J can be configured for maritime patrol, search and rescue, and electronic warfare missions, among others.
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