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
-
![Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain]()
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
![Oostende mine countermeasures vessel begins sea trials]()
Oostende mine countermeasures vessel begins sea trials
The first vessel in the Belgian-Dutch rMCM mine-clearing fleet, the Oostende, has begun its sea trials before officially entering service in 2025.
-
![US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft]()
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
![Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships]()
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.
