Saudi Arabia has ordered four weapon-equipped C-27J maritime patrol aircraft, becoming the first customer for this newly developed variant by Leonardo. The aircraft will be fitted with advanced ATOS mission systems, MARTE-ER anti-ship missiles, and MU90 torpedoes to perform maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare missions for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has officially signed a contract for four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), becoming the first global customer for the armed maritime patrol variant of the C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, developed by Italy’s Leonardo. This acquisition introduces a new configuration tailored for maritime surveillance and combat missions.
The aircraft will feature Leonardo’s advanced Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission system, along with an integrated weapons suite for anti-ship and anti-submarine operations. It will carry MARTE-ER anti-ship missiles and MU90 lightweight torpedoes, enabling capabilities for coastal monitoring, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and armed maritime reconnaissance.
Originally designed as a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, the C-27J Spartan is widely used for logistics and special missions. The new MPA variant converts the platform into a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft by integrating advanced sensors, command-and-control systems, and precision-guided weapons. Leonardo developed this armed patrol version to meet the growing demand for flexible maritime surveillance platforms capable of operating from shorter runways while supporting distributed naval operations.
The ATOS mission system combines radar, electro-optical sensors, communications equipment, and data processing tools into a unified operational framework, allowing crews to detect, classify, and track maritime threats while coordinating responses in real time. The MARTE-ER missile provides long-range anti-ship strike capability, while the MU90 torpedo enables effective anti-submarine operations against modern underwater threats. Together, they allow the aircraft to perform both surveillance and engagement missions during maritime patrols.
This acquisition establishes a heavily armed patrol aircraft category within Saudi service, combining the endurance of a transport aircraft with advanced naval combat functions. Saudi Arabia becomes the first operator of the armed C-27J MPA, marking the platform’s operational debut. While Leonardo has previously delivered standard C-27J aircraft to various countries for transport and special missions, the armed maritime patrol version represents a new mission-focused evolution. Maritime patrol aircraft play a vital role in monitoring shipping lanes, detecting submarines, and enforcing maritime security, with the integration of missiles and torpedoes allowing them to transition from surveillance to strike operations without relying on separate strike assets.
About The Author
