The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in enhancing its naval capabilities by contracting four C-27J maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from the Italian company Leonardo. This deal marks Saudi Arabia as the first customer to acquire these aircraft with “maritime weapon system integration capability,” as announced by Leonardo on Monday.
The acquisition builds on previous orders, including two C-27J units obtained in the summer of 2025, which are dedicated to firefighting, cargo transport, and medical evacuation operations. According to Leonardo, these new aircraft will bolster the Saudi navy’s operational capabilities, making it the second local operator of the C-27J following a purchase by Saudi oil giant Aramco for commercial purposes.
Enhancing Maritime Surveillance and Defense
The C-27J MPAs being procured by Saudi Arabia feature an advanced mission suite equipped with detection sensors and tracking systems for both surface and submarine targets. This technology aims to fill a critical gap in the Kingdom’s maritime patrol capabilities for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
Albert Vidal, a research analyst for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), emphasized the importance of this acquisition. “The C-27J fills Saudi Arabia’s long-standing gap in fixed-wing maritime patrol,” he said. The Kingdom had previously expressed interest in Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon in 2017, but that sale did not materialize.
This contract follows Saudi Arabia’s recent $200 million acquisition of torpedoes from the Italian firm WASS, which are intended for integration with the new aircraft. Vidal suggested that the C-27J acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize Saudi Arabia’s naval forces in response to ongoing Iranian maritime threats and regional instability.
Operational Flexibility and Strategic Goals
Defense analyst Ali Bakir, a professor at Qatar University, highlighted the operational advantages the C-27J will provide. “These aircraft will offer Saudi Arabia practical operational flexibility, enabling the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies into remote or short-runway locations. They will also support critical missions such as medical evacuation and maritime sustainment,” Bakir explained.
The modernization of air and naval assets is crucial for Saudi Arabia, given its strategic location near vital maritime corridors and energy infrastructure. Bakir noted that enhancing these capabilities not only improves protection of national interests but also aligns with the long-term replacement of aging systems.
The first batch of C-27J MPAs is set to be delivered to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in 2029, positioning Saudi Arabia as the 21st operator of this advanced aircraft. This milestone further underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense capabilities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
