Two King Air 350ERs enter service with Leonardo’s ATOS system
The ATOS mission system from Leonardo is installed on two Textron-built King Air 350ER maritime patrol aircraft that have entered into service with an undisclosed African navy.
The Italian company acted as the prime contractor for the customer’s surveillance capability, and it also supplied Seaspray E-scan surveillance radars for the aircraft.
The King Air 350ERs will be used for SAR, littoral security and maritime border patrols.
The aircraft were procured and integrated by Leonardo in accordance with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications. Leonardo is also offering its integration services to mid-life upgrades on existing aircraft, all of which will use its ATOS mission system.
ATOS is in use on more than 10 aircraft types, including the ATR 42(72) MP, DA-62 MSA, Dash-8, Beechcraft KA350, Casa CN-235 and the Bell 421 helicopter.
Customers from the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East have expressed their interest in the system, according to Leonardo’s 17 February statement.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
