First P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft flies to Portugal
The P-3 Orion MPA has been in service with 21 operators across 17 countries. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
A former German Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft has successfully flown to Portugal as part of a €45 million deal between the two countries.
The first of six former German Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) was flown to Portugal on 9 February. A second aircraft will be expected to be delivered in about a month’s time.
In August 2023, the Portuguese Government authorised the country’s air force to acquire six Lockheed Martin Orions from Germany. The contract worth €45 million (US$48 million) has included mid-life upgrade sets, spares, support equipment, test benches and simulators.
Portugal initially procured six former Royal Australian Air Force P-3s which were replaced by five ex-Royal Netherlands Navy aircraft. The planes expected to be acquired from Germany were also second-hand platforms purchased from the Netherlands.
The P-3 Orion MPA has seen service with 21 operators across 17 countries in a variety of standards, designations and configurations, with an upgrade programme available and being implemented or completed for some customers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities]()
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
-
![Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win]()
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win
A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
