What is the Saudi Arabia C-27J deal?

Saudi Arabia ordered four Leonardo C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft with anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons. Deliveries start in 2029 for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. It is the first armed MPA sale for the C-27J platform and could support European supplier backlogs and sector sentiment for several years.

Who will receive the aircraft and when do deliveries begin?

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will receive four aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2029. The timeline includes design, integration, and testing phases before acceptance. Investors should monitor supplier selections, export approvals, and flight-test milestones as schedule markers ahead of initial handovers and entry into service.

How could this affect European defense stocks?

The order can strengthen Leonardo’s backlog and create pull-through for European suppliers such as MBDA/WASS. While cash flows are long-dated, sentiment could improve near term as milestones are met. Investors may also see read-across to companies with maritime, mission-systems, testing, and sustainment exposure across Europe and the UK.

What should UK investors watch next?

Track formal supplier announcements, export-license progress, and integration testing updates. Any news on training, spares, and sustainment packages will help size revenue timing. Also watch regional maritime tenders for confirmation that the Saudi Arabia C-27J decision reflects broader Gulf demand for anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities.

Law and Government

Saudi Arabia’s Armed C-27J Order Boosts EU Defense Outlook – February 18

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

The Saudi Arabia C-27J order puts fresh momentum behind Europe’s defense sector. Riyadh selected four Leonardo C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft with anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons, with deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces starting in 2029. As the first armed sale for this platform, the move signals steady Saudi defense spending and longer pipeline visibility for European suppliers. We explain why this matters for UK investors, what timelines to watch, and how the sector could price in this multi-year demand.