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The global footprint of the C-27J Spartan continues to expand as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia selects the aircraft’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) configuration for its naval forces. Leonardo S.p.A. will supply four C-27J MPAs to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence, with deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces expected to begin in 2029. This makes Saudi Arabia the 21st global operator of the C-27J platform.

The acquisition strengthens Leonardo’s long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia and follows the 2025 in-country purchase of two C-27Js configured for firefighting, cargo transport and medical evacuation missions. Notably, this marks the first time the C-27J MPA will be delivered with integrated maritime weapon systems, highlighting the aircraft’s growing operational scope.

The MPA variant retains all features of the C-27J Spartan Next Generation platform, including advanced avionics, navigation, communication, identification and self-protection systems, enabling operations in complex environments and high-threat scenarios. For maritime missions, the aircraft integrates a dedicated surveillance suite with sensors optimized for detecting and tracking surface vessels and submarines. These systems are managed by Leonardo’s Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance mission system, offering data fusion and real-time information sharing, including Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) connectivity.

In addition to surveillance and Search and Rescue (SAR) roles, the aircraft can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges, providing credible anti-submarine and anti-surface capabilities. Importantly, the cabin can be rapidly reconfigured by removing mission consoles, allowing the aircraft to perform transport, airdrop and medical evacuation missions.

With over 290,000 flight hours worldwide, the C-27J program continues to evolve through ongoing investment and mission expansion, reinforcing its reputation as a versatile, multi-role platform for modern defence requirements.