Argentina secures four P-3 Orion planes from Norway.

The acquisition, valued at approximately 60 million dollars, includes one P-3N variant and three P-3C variants. The contract, formalized on board the ARA Sarmiento frigate, establishes the purchase of four aircraft at the mentioned value, along with maintenance equipment, accessories, spare parts, test benches, and other components.

The aircrafts have an average of 17,000 remaining flight hours and a potential service life of 15 years.

Currently, an Argentine crew is in the United States for training. The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Argentina before the end of 2023, with the remaining three scheduled for 2024. The aircraft will be based at the Almirante Zar Naval Air Base in Trelew. Additionally, the return to service of the P-3B aircraft, which is currently undergoing inspection and maintenance at FAdeA, is expected soon.

The P-3 Orion aircraft will be used in surveillance, control, search, and rescue missions in the South Atlantic.

NEW HELICOPTERS FOR THE ARGENTINE NAVY

Regarding the acquisition of helicopters for ocean patrol vessels, a letter of intent has been formalized for the purchase of six Leonardo AW109 helicopters. The Minister stated, "The intention is to progress in this process, considering both technical aspects and financial considerations, in a challenging economic environment." The expenditure to finalize the helicopter acquisition has already been included in the budget for the year 2024.

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