Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A. for the acquisition of four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The contract expands Saudi Arabia’s fixed-wing naval aviation capabilities with anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike functions. Deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces are scheduled to begin in 2029.
The procurement marks the first integration of full maritime weapon capability on the C-27J MPA variant. The aircraft will be equipped to detect, identify and engage both submarine and surface threats while also supporting search and rescue, transport and airdrop missions. This enables the aircraft to conduct both surveillance and direct engagement missions, transforming the platform from a transport-based surveillance asset into a fully armed maritime patrol aircraft.
The C-27J MPA is based on the C-27J Spartan Next Generation tactical transport aircraft. The platform integrates Leonardo’s Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance system, combining multiple sensors with a mission management system capable of detecting, tracking and classifying maritime and submarine targets. The system enables real-time data sharing with command centres and other assets, including beyond line-of-sight operations.
The aircraft can be armed with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges, allowing it to conduct anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike missions independently or as part of a wider naval force structure. This represents a shift from transport-based missions to armed maritime patrol operations within the C-27J platform family. The C-27J is already used in maritime patrol roles by the US Coast Guard, providing operational validation for its surveillance configuration.
Despite its specialised mission equipment, the C-27J MPA retains the flexibility of the baseline transport aircraft. This modular configuration allows operators to use the aircraft across both combat and support roles without requiring dedicated fleets.
The order builds on Saudi Arabia’s earlier acquisition of two C-27J aircraft in 2025 configured for firefighting, cargo transport and medical evacuation roles.
The acquisition comes amid increasing emphasis on maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine capability in the Red Sea and Gulf regions, where naval and underwater threats are becoming more prominent.
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