Overview
- Leonardo confirmed a contract to supply four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, with first deliveries scheduled for 2029.
- This order represents the first procurement of the C-27J MPA with integrated maritime weapon systems.
- The aircraft use Leonardo’s ATOS mission suite with fused inputs from AESA radar, EO/IR, AIS, ESM, MAD and an acoustic subsystem, supported by beyond‑line‑of‑sight communications.
- The armed configuration supports roughly 3,600 kg of stores across six pylons for lightweight torpedoes, anti‑ship missiles and depth charges, with endurance over nine hours extendable via air‑to‑air refuelling.
- The cabin can be reconfigured for transport, airdrop and medical evacuation, and the deal follows Saudi Arabia’s 2025 purchase of two multi‑mission C‑27Js.