The Portuguese Air Force's ability to carry out maritime patrols and anti-submarine war operations will be improved by the acquisition of new lockheed Martin P-3C Orion aircraft used aircraft, as announced by a service officer.
Lisbon made the purchase of six P-3C, In addition to a robust pack of spare parts and a simulator from Germany, that will begin to replace these veterans with a new fleet of Boeing P-8a Poseidon from the end of this year.
Major General João Nogueira, Director of the Portuguese Air Force Armament Systems Maintenance Directorate, confirmed that the modernization of five existing P-3C aircraft is underway in Canada.
This work, Conducted by General Dynamics Canada, Focus mainly on integrating a link link 16 and in the interrogation capacity of a friend or enemy (IFF) Mode 5, in addition to updates in other equipment.
Nogueira described the package of bullied pieces from Berlin as “impressiveâ€, emphasizing that this will allow Portugal to operate the aircraft for a long time. “It was a good opportunity for us to maintain and also increase the size of the fleet,â€He declared to journalists at the Air Force headquarters in Lisbon, on 26 March.
"We already received four aircraft, And the last two will arrive at the end of this year. For sure, This will put us at a different level of availability with the P-3 fleet. â€
P-3 is extremely relevant for Portugal, since the country has a vast ocean to be watched and seeks to be a significant partner, especially within NATO. For example, Nogueira reported that the Air Force plans to send aircraft for operations abroad next month, in support of the commitment to the Western Military Alliance.
“We want to maintain the relevance of the platform for these missions," said. “With the pieces we buy, We believe we will be in good condition to support the fleet. â€
As aeronaves P-3C, Beja Air Base operated, They are piloted by the 60th Portuguese Air Force Squadron. The Cirium Aviation Analysis company records that these models have been in operational service for up to 42 year old, Originally flew by the Royal Navy of the Netherlands.
Source: aeroin.net
