In 9 February 2024, the first of six P-3C Orions from the Capability Maintenance Program (CUP) of the German Navy landed on Portuguese soil. The delivery of the six P-3Cs is part of a 45 million euros between Portugal and Germany, signed in September 2023, which will increase the fleet from five to eleven.
This agreement includes modernization packages, spare engines, propellers, components, tactical and flight tools and simulators. We spoke with Major Pilot Aviator Bruno Silveira, squadron commander 601 ‘Lobos’, about the plan and the impact of the new aircraft on your unit. “We hope to complete aircraft deliveries in 2025 and all remaining elements of the contract, including simulator, to 2026, keeping us flying the P-3C until 2040.â€
With Portugal having one of the largest maritime areas in the world and due to its increased presence in European waters to combat arms and drug trafficking,, illegal immigration and human trafficking, more capacity is needed and this comes from having more aircraft.
Major Silveira said: “The P-3 is still one of the best aircraft ever made for maritime operations. The importance of having ASW capabilities (Anti-submarine warfare), operating as an excellent ISR platform (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and also performing ELR SAR (Long Range Search and Rescue), requires a robust and resilient P-3C fleet. The ex-German fleet will bring greater capabilities and resilience to respond to the multiple missions that the Squadron needs to fulfill, especially those relating to our sovereign area of ​​responsibility.â€
This addition of six aircraft to the fleet, in addition to the current modernization program underway in Canada for its five current aircraft, you should see Esq601 operate the P-3 until 2040. One of the aircraft in the fleet, ‘14808’, is currently undergoing General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada upgrade. General Dynamics is completing updates together with Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) at the IMP Aerospace and Defense facility in Halifax, Canada. Included in the update is a new air data management system for modifying communications and mission electronics systems..
In 2012, Portugal modernized its fleet via Lockheed Martin and also OGMA of five former P-3Cs from the Netherlands Navy, when it retired its P-3P fleet. Updates in 2012 included the ELTA Systems EL/M-2022 radar, specifically for maritime patrol missions; electro-optical/infrared sensor L3Harris WESCAM MX-15 HDI; AAR-47 missile approach warning software supported by an ALE-47 countermeasures dispensing system; ALR-95 electronic support measures system and NA/USQ-78B acoustic system.
Work routine
In addition to accepting six new aircraft under the G2G agreement between Germany and Portugal, the squadron continues with its usual missions. These missions include maritime patrol and search and rescue. Besides, ‘Wolves’ execute NATO’s Baltic Assurance Measures (BAM), also known as Mediterranean Sea Guardian. This involves unity in building security capability, supporting situational awareness (SADDLE) using its ISR capabilities and counterterrorism activities in the Mediterranean. BAM also sees Esq601 carry out missions in the Baltic areas to provide maritime SA on behalf of NATO.
Major Silveira added: “We will maintain cooperation with international organizations such as NATO, a UE e a ONU; fulfill the responsibilities of the Portuguese Air Force in the context of national defense and sovereignty; maintain all of our crew and staff proficient and work with General Dynamics Mission Systems and Deutsche Marine on Upgrade and Acquisition Programs, respectively.â€
The squadron also plans to go overseas for multiple training exercises, in addition to moving within the context of AFRICOM, NATO and European Union for multiple locations.
News: Lidador NotÃcias/aéreo.jor.br
Photo P3: Portuguese Air Force
