Saudi Arabia has ordered four Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transports in a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) configuration.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029, the Italian airframer says.

Intended roles include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and transport and airdrop missions.

MNT-DJ-21-018_C-27J NAVY-c-Leonardo

Source: Leonardo

C-27J can carry a significant weapons payload on underwing hardpoints

Leonardo says the agreement is the “first time the C- 27J MPA [has been] procured with maritime weapon system integration capability”.

No details of Saudi Arabia’s configuration have been disclosed, but the airframer says the Spartan “can carry a significant weapons payload to counter multiple threats, including torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges”.

The latest order is also the second recent sale of the Spartan to the Kingdom, with two units acquired in 2025 dedicated to firefighting, cargo transport and medical evacuation missions.

Dominic Perry is Aerospace Editor, Europe contributing extensively to flightglobal.com. Although specialising in the coverage of the helicopter industry, he has written on most topics in aerospace – be they commercial, defence or business aviation. In addition, there has been an increasing focus on the decarbonisation of the industry and zero-emission flight initiatives. He also helps to edit Flight International.View full Profile

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