Saudi Arabia Signs Leonardo C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft Contract
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Italy’s Leonardo to acquire four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft, with deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces beginning in 2029, according to official reports and industry sources.
The agreement marks a key expansion of Saudi military aviation, giving the kingdom new fixed-wing maritime patrol and multi-mission capabilities. The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will become the 21st global operator of the C-27J platform.
New C-27J Maritime Patrol Capability for Saudi Naval Aviation
The C-27J Spartan is a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft that has been adapted into a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) configuration for the Saudi contract. In this role the aircraft will support anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue missions, transport and airdrop operations.
Leonardo says the Saudi C-27J MPAs will include advanced mission systems, sensors and communications packages tailored for maritime surveillance and domain awareness. These systems are designed to detect, identify and track surface and submarine threats and provide real-time data sharing with command centers and other assets.
Strategic Context and Platform Versatility
The contract follows a prior 2025 order by Saudi users for C-27J aircraft in multi-role and firefighting configurations, reflecting growing demand for versatile fixed-wing platforms.
The MPA variant retains the core features of the C-27J Spartan Next Generation, including modern avionics, navigation, communication and self-protection systems. The aircraft can be reconfigured for transport, humanitarian aid or medical evacuation when required, underlining its multi-mission flexibility.
Deliveries and Operator Expansion
Deliveries will begin in 2029, with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces set to operate the aircraft in the coming years. Saudi Arabia’s introduction of the C-27J in the maritime patrol role expands the platform’s operational footprint beyond traditional tactical airlift missions.
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The C-27J has logged more than 290,000 flight hours worldwide with existing operators across a range of mission sets, from troop and cargo transport to aerial firefighting and special missions.
Implications for Regional Naval Aviation
For Saudi Arabia, the addition of MPA-configured C-27Js reflects a broader effort to enhance naval and coastal security capabilities amid evolving maritime threat environments. The platform’s endurance, sensor suite and multi-role flexibility could support a spectrum of missions across the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf and beyond.
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