Saudi Arabia Expands Maritime Patrol Capabilities with Armed C-27Js

Saudi Arabia will receive four C-27J tactical airlifters outfitted for armed maritime patrols with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges, plus a dedicated mission suite and sensors for surface and undersea tracking. The aircraft can be reconfigured to standard transports, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029. This follows earlier C-27J purchases for firefighting and medevac, and Leonardo notes a potential MC-27 special-forces variant around 2029–30; possible weapons include the Marte-ER anti-ship missile and MU-90 torpedo amid a recent Saudi deal with WASS for MU-90.