Kingdom Expands Naval Capabilities With Italian-Built Planes

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has contracted four C-27J maritime patrol aircraft from Italian firm Leonardo, marking the first customer to do so with maritime weapon system integration capability. The aircraft will provide the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with enhanced capabilities for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as support missions such as medical evacuation and maritime sustainment. The acquisition is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing naval modernization efforts, driven by regional instability and the need to strengthen deterrence and maritime domain awareness. The contract was announced by Leonardo and reported by Breaking Defense.