The Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed a contract with Leonardo for the procurement of four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to enhance its maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities. With deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces will become the 21st operator of this type worldwide.
Multi-Mission Maritime Operations
The newly procured C-27J MPAs provide the necessary capabilities to address modern submarine and surface threats, guarantee Search and Rescue (SAR) services, and perform transport and airdrop missions. This contract marks the first time the C-27J MPA is being delivered with integrated naval weapon system capability. The platform can carry a variety of weapon loads, including torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and depth charges, tailored to mission requirements.
Advanced Sensors and Mission Management
The C-27J MPA features a dedicated mission system package that includes sensors optimized for the detection, identification, and tracking of surface and submarine targets to ensure multi-domain surveillance capability. This system is managed by Leonardo’s Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) system, an advanced mission management system with data fusion capabilities. Its comprehensive communication suite enables real-time data sharing with control centers and secure collaboration with other units even in Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) conditions. When mission system consoles and other components are removed, the aircraft’s cabin can be easily reconfigured to perform transport, airdrop, and medical evacuation missions.
Leonardo and Saudi Arabia Partnership
This achievement confirms the ongoing partnership between Leonardo and Saudi Arabia, increasing the number of C-27Js in the country following the delivery of two aircraft in the summer of 2025. The C-27J program benefits from continuous investments aimed at expanding mission versatility and integrating the most advanced technologies. C-27Js configured for maritime missions are already operational in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) inventory.
Source: C4Defence / Leonardo
