Argentina maritime patrol boosted with P-3C Orion purchase from Norway
Norway's P-3 Orion fleet was retired in June 2023 after a service life of some 54 years. The aircraft will continue to operate under the Argentine flag for another 10-to-20 years. (Photo: RNoAF)
The Argentine Navy will undertake long-range maritime patrol and surveillance missions with a fleet of four ex-Norwegian P-3 Orion aircraft under a deal announced by Argentina on 17th October.
Argentina's Ministry of Defence and Norway's Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) have signed an agreement for the former to purchase four aircraft from the Scandinavian country for more than US$60 million. The money for the purchase has been provided from Argentina’s FONDEF funds designed to re-capitalise the Argentine military.
According to the Argentine MoD, one of the aircraft, a P-3N Orion, will be used for search and rescue and as a mobile logistics support variant. The remaining three will be the P-3C Orion reconnaissance version.
With a radius of 1,500 nautical miles (2,780km) the P-3C can monitor Argentina’s coastline and exclusive economic zones, as well as its Antarctic
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
