Saudi Arabia Acquires Armed Maritime Patrol C-27 Cargo Planes

Saudi Arabia is set to acquire C-27J tactical air lifters for its armed maritime patrol fleet. This purchase marks the first instance in which the C-27J will be utilized in an armed maritime configuration. The manufacturer, Leonardo, confirmed the sale of four aircraft that will enhance the Saudi Navy’s operational capabilities.

Details of the Acquisition

The four C-27J aircraft will be equipped to carry a variety of defensive armaments. These include torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and depth charges. Alongside this, the planes will feature a specialized suite of mission sensors designed for tracking both surface and underwater targets.

Additional Capabilities

In addition to their military applications, the C-27Js will support search-and-rescue operations and perform air drop missions. Leonardo emphasized the flexibility of these aircraft. All maritime mission consoles can be removed, enabling conversion into baseline transport planes.

Delivery Timeline and Previous Purchases

Deliveries of the C-27J for the Saudi Navy are projected to commence in 2029. Last summer, Saudi Arabia already purchased two C-27Js for essential missions, including firefighting, medical evacuations, and cargo transport.

Achievements in Sales

• Leonardo has sold a total of 99 C-27J aircraft across 19 nations.
• The C-27J serves as a smaller, versatile alternative to the larger C-130, capable of operating from short runways.

Potential Armaments

The Saudi C-27J aircraft may feature advanced weaponry, such as the MBDA Marte-ER anti-ship missile and the MU-90 lightweight torpedo. Recently, WASS, a Leonardo subsidiary, secured a 200 million euro agreement to supply the MU-90 to Saudi Arabia.

Future Developments

Leonardo is also in the process of developing a special forces variant of the C-27J known as the MC-27. This model is expected to include a side-mounted gun and is slated for availability by 2029-2030.

This acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategic military expansions, reinforcing its maritime capabilities while enhancing interoperability with advanced military technology.