Saudi Arabia buys armed C-27J MPA aircraft

Saudi Arabia has officially signed a contract for four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), becoming the global launch customer for the armed maritime patrol variant of the C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft developed by Italy’s Leonardo.

The announcement confirms Riyadh’s acquisition of the new configuration designed specifically for maritime surveillance and combat operations. The aircraft will be equipped with Leonardo’s advanced Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission system and integrated weapons package for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare roles.

According to the announcement, the aircraft will carry MARTE-ER anti-ship missiles and MU90 lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, providing capabilities for coastal monitoring, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and armed maritime reconnaissance missions.

The C-27J Spartan is a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft widely used for logistics and special missions. The newly introduced MPA configuration transforms the platform into a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft by integrating sensors, command-and-control systems, and precision-guided weapons. Leonardo developed the armed patrol variant to meet growing demand for flexible maritime surveillance platforms capable of operating from shorter runways and supporting distributed naval operations.

As noted by Leonardo, the ATOS mission system integrates radar, electro-optical sensors, communications equipment, and data processing tools into a single operational architecture, allowing crews to detect, classify, and track maritime threats while coordinating responses in real time.

The MARTE-ER missile provides extended-range anti-ship capability designed to engage surface vessels, while the MU90 torpedo is intended for anti-submarine operations against modern underwater threats. Together, the weapons package enables the aircraft to conduct both surveillance and direct engagement missions during maritime patrol operations.

The acquisition introduces a heavily armed patrol aircraft category into Saudi service, combining transport-aircraft endurance with naval combat functions.

The deal positions Saudi Arabia as the first operator of the armed C-27J MPA configuration, establishing the program’s operational debut. Leonardo has previously delivered standard C-27J aircraft to multiple countries for transport and special mission roles, but the armed maritime patrol version represents a new mission-focused evolution of the platform.

Maritime patrol aircraft play a central role in monitoring shipping routes, detecting submarines, and enforcing maritime security zones. The integration of anti-ship missiles and torpedoes allows such aircraft to transition from surveillance to engagement without requiring separate strike assets.