The Royal Saudi Naval Force will receive four C-27Js in the new Maritime Patrol Variant, with deliveries expected to start in 2029.
Leonardo has announced that it will supply four C-27Js in the new Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) variant to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense. The aircraft will be operated by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces to cope with modern submarine and sea surface threats, to guarantee effective Search and Rescue (SAR) services and to perform transport and airdrop missions.
The company says the service will receive the first aircraft in 2029, becoming the type’s 21st operator. It must be noted that these are not the first C-27s sold to the country, as two aircraft configured for multi-mission roles, including aerial firefighting and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), were acquired in June 2025.
Leonardo highlighted that the new acquisition marks the first time the C-27J MPA is procured with maritime weapon system integration capability. The integration of this capability is part of the continued work that Leonardo is doing to fully exploit the platform’s versatility.
A similar configuration, although unarmed, is used by the U.S. Coast Guard as HC-27. However there are some key differences in the systems integrated on the aircraft due to different requirements.
C-27J Spartan MPA
In its press release, Leonardo explains the new Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) variant will be based upon the C-27J Spartan Next Generation. The NG variant is an enhancement of the original C-27J, which brings to the table increased performance and efficiency, state-of-the-art avionics, navigation, communication, identification and self-protection systems.
As part of the new the C-27J MPA integrates a dedicated mission suite, including sensors optimized for detection, identification and tracking of surface and submarine targets, managed by the Leonardo ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance system) mission management system with data fusion capabilities. According to a Leonardo brochure, among the sensors are an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) search radar, Electro-Optical/Infra- Red (EO/IR) system, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Support Measures (ESM) for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Signal/Electronic Intelligence (SIGINT/ELINT), Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and Acoustic Subsystem.
To complete the maritime surveillance equipment, the aircraft is also equipped with two observation windows, two removable, ten-barrels Rotary Sonobuoy Launchers and two fixed, single barrel Ordnance Launchers for Sound Underwater Signals, flare and smoke markers, as well as a mission system with up to 5 operator stations. Additional capabilities are provided by the addition of Search and Rescue (SAR) kits and a self-protection system.
A complete communication system allows real time data sharing with other assets, also in Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) conditions thanks to satellite communications (SATCOM). The C-27J MPA can carry a weapons payload of 7,495 lb/3,600 kg on six wing pylons to counter multiple threats, including lightweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges in accordance with the specific mission needs.
In this armed configuration, the aircraft has an endurance of over nine hours, which can be extended with air-to-air refueling. For longer duration missions the C-27J MPA is also equipped with a crew rest area.
The MPA configuration can be assembled as a palletized roll-on/roll-off solution. This allows to easily reconfigure the aircraft to perform the transport, airdrop and medical evacuation missions typical of the baseline C-27J.
C-27J Next Generation
The C-27J Next Generation was launched in 2020 as an enhancement of the baseline aircraft to improve its efficiency and performance. Here is how Leonardo’s test pilot Matteo Maurizio, Head of Project Test Pilot Airlifters, Special Versions and UAS, who has been involved in the development of the new variant of the Spartan since its first test flights described the improvements in 2020, as we reported in a previous article here at The Aviationist:
“The main differences relate to the aircraft’s flying qualities and performance. In terms of quality, I must stress that the new state-of-the-art avionics technology fully complies with the most up-to-date international standard, called Performance Based Navigation and to have in the cockpit new features as FANS1/A+ Datalink, TCAS 7.1, ILS Cat II and Enhanced Video TAWS. This enables us to exploit all the capabilities offered by the operation in civil air spaces with no limitations and to enhance interoperability in tactical military scenarios with the integration of Mode 5 IFF/ADS-B out, tactical VNAV and Search and Rescue.
The new cockpit layout includes five new Colour Multipurpose Display Units – featuring new and enhanced LED lighting and panels that increase pilots’ efficiency during a flight – a dual redundant Flight Management System, two Digital Autopilot-Flight Director Systems with auto-throttle capabilities, and a comprehensive communications suite. For intra-theatre operations, these features, coupled with the many large cockpit windows typical of the Spartan, full cockpit compatibility with NVIS/NVG night vision systems and Head-Up Display availability help to minimise pilot workload while increasing the ability to manage the mission effectively in day, night and adverse weather conditions.
In terms of performance, the new winglets offer us several advantages in terms of aircraft controllability, in particular flying at slow speeds, as well as better payload capability also in hot and high conditions.
While its cruising speed of 325 KTAS (602 km/h) and service ceiling of 30,000 ft (9,144 m) will not change with the new configuration, the winglets will improve the aircraft’s climb capabilities in terms of climb gradients or MTOW of approximately 1,000 kg. This will allow us to operate from those airports with particularly steep climb gradients, which are normally served by four-engine aircraft.”
