Dammam, Saudi Arabia — In a landmark move set to transform Saudi Arabia’s civil emergency aviation, Aramco has acquired two Leonardo C-27J Spartan Next Generation aircraft — marking the platform’s first-ever deployment in the Middle East for civilian multi-role operations.
By Jarryd Sinovich
Operated by Mukamalah Aviation Company under the Aloula Aviation brand, the aircraft will be delivered starting 2027 and are configured for high-stakes missions ranging from aerial firefighting and oil spill response to cargo transport and medevac. This deal also represents the world’s first civil order of the C-27J in its firefighter configuration.
Built for speed, rugged conditions, and multi-theatre flexibility, the C-27J Spartan is equipped with the powerful MAFFS II system — a roll-on/roll-off 7,500-litre fire suppression module that can be installed in under 90 minutes and refilled in less than 10. The aircraft’s Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capability enables it to operate close to disaster zones on unprepared runways, reaching areas inaccessible to helicopters or larger planes.
With more than 270,000 flight hours logged globally, the Spartan has earned its stripes as a tactical workhorse. Now, Aramco is bringing that battle-tested resilience to the frontlines of environmental and disaster response in the Kingdom.
As part of the agreement, Mukamalah will also serve as a regional service hub for the C-27J, building on its existing role as Leonardo’s Authorized Service Centre for AW109 and AW139 helicopters. This strategic leap underscores both Aramco’s expanding aerial capability and Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to national resilience, disaster readiness, and sustainable aerospace leadership in the region.
