Brazil's P-3 Orion modernisation programme complete
The last of nine P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft to be upgraded for the Brazilian Air Force by Airbus Defence and Space (D&S) has been delivered to the customer in Salvador de Bahía, Brazil, where it will be based.
Airbus D&S has modernised the nine aircraft with new systems and avionics. Improvement include the installation of the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and a new suite of mission sensors, communications systems and cockpit avionics. Aircraft engines and structures were also updated, extending the fleet´s operational life.
Brazil acquired the P-3 Orion aircraft in 2006 from the US Navy, along with three more to be dismantled for spares. The new fleet will give the Brazilian Air Force advanced capabilities, including anti-submarine, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and economic exclusion zone enforcement.
Antonio Rodríguez Barberán, head of commercial for military aircraft, Airbus D&S, said: ‘This has been a large and complex programme and we are very proud of the work done in upgrading the Brazilian P-3 fleet. The FAB now has one of the most modern fleets in its class.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule]()
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
