The Argentine Navy Receives Its First P-3 Orion Aircraft to Strengthen Maritime Surveillance

On September 19, Argentina's Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, led the ceremony marking the incorporation of the first of four Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion aircraft acquired from Norway to enhance the Argentine Navy's capabilities in maritime space surveillance.

The aircraft landed at Almirante Zar Naval Air Base in Trelew, Chubut Province, earlier in September. During the ceremony, Petri emphasized the importance of this acquisition: "After decades where those responsible for leading the destiny of our Nation laughed in our faces, today we have a President who not only believes in what he says but also delivers on his promises."

Petri also highlighted that this purchase is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Armed Forces: "Since December 10, we have been tasked with making our Armed Forces a key player in this new Argentina, after 20 years of populism." He added that the acquisition of the P-3 Orion represents a technological leap that brings Argentina on par with other countries in the region.

Acquisition Details

Argentina purchased three P-3C Orions and one P-3N for logistical support, all of which underwent the Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP), ensuring at least 15 more years of service, with around 17,000 flight hours remaining. This modernization process is crucial for keeping the maritime patrol aircraft fleet operational.

The P-3 Orion is a long-range patrol aircraft designed for control and surveillance missions in maritime areas, contributing to the preservation of sovereignty in Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and other areas under its jurisdiction. The P-3's capabilities include anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue (SAR), and humanitarian aid missions.

Operational Benefits for the Argentine Navy

The incorporation of these aircraft strengthens the concept of an Integrated Naval Force, improving coordination between aircraft and ships to expand the range of search and surveillance operations. With its flight autonomy and advanced systems, such as infrared cameras and high-precision sensors, the P-3 Orion offers real-time surveillance capabilities and a higher probability of detection over large maritime areas.

The aircraft has a wingspan of 30.38 meters and a range of 1,500 nautical miles, allowing it to cover Argentina's maritime coast and even Antarctica. It is also equipped with an automatic ship identification system and can carry rescue equipment, which significantly enhances the Argentine Navy's search and rescue operations.

Context of Modernization

This purchase is part of the National Public Investment Project, which aims to improve the operational and logistical capabilities of the Argentine naval aviation. The process to acquire the P-3s began due to the need to replace the previous fleet of P-3B aircraft, which had been in service for decades. The new aircraft, originally operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, underwent upgrades, including avionics and radar system improvements.

Regional Impact and Future Prospects

This acquisition not only strengthens Argentina's ability to monitor its vast maritime territory, including areas around the Falkland Islands, but also enhances its presence in the South Atlantic. The P-3 Orion aircraft are known for their reliability and operational versatility, enabling Argentina to perform long-range patrols, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue missions.

The Argentine government has emphasized that this purchase is a significant step towards modernizing its military capabilities, despite the country's budgetary constraints. Officials have noted that this investment is designed to protect Argentina's maritime resources and enhance its ability to address challenges such as illegal fishing.

Ukrainian Air Shield Upgrade with NASAMS Systems from Canada

President Zelensky reported the procurement of additional NASAMS systems and missiles from Canada to bolster Ukraine's defense. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the commitment to reinforce Ukrainian air defenses with these supplies. Work began on enhancing the Ukrainian air shield, particularly focusing on strengthening defenses against Russian attacks in various regions. In a call with Canada's Prime Minister, Zelensky highlighted the constant missile terror and 'shaheed' strikes on Ukrainian cities and villages. Although over 80 attack drones were neutralized by air defense, damages were sustained in regions like Sumy, Odessa, Lviv, Poltava, Kyiv, Donetsk, and Kherson. The discussion touched upon security guarantees, bilateral dialogues, and preparations for the fourth meeting on the Formula for Peace in Davos. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Canada's support and assurances of sustained assistance in the coming year. In a notable shift, Norway decided to permit direct sales of defense products from its industry to Ukraine, effective from January 1, 2024, citing Russia's aggression as a grave threat. 

This decision aligns with Norway's commitment to support Ukraine through various mechanisms, including donations and training of Ukrainian personnel. The move aims to fortify Norway's defense policy interests and uphold security alongside allies in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

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.

Related: 

USA clears the transfer of 24 F-16s from Denmark to Argentina

Argentina near to select the JF-17 as future Air Force fighter

Argentine MoD, FAdeA reach deal for three Pampa IIIs

 

Romania acquires 32 F-16 and spare parts from Norwegian Air Force

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has signed a contract with Romania for the sale of 32 Norwegian F-16 aircraft.

Following the RFI answer received in 2020, Romania has since 2021 expressed interest in acquiring the former Norwegian Air Force aircraft as part of an effort to strengthen the capabilities of the Romanian Air Force. The final agreement was signed 4. November following months of negotiations and includes 32 aircraft along with spare parts and support equipment, as well as maintenance and technical training services.

Under the contract all aircraft will undergo necessary maintenance and aircraft modification to M6.5.2 Romanian configuration with US support prior to delivery, currently scheduled for 2023-24. This work will be conducted by Norwegian industry, which also will provide training and other logistical services that will support the long-term availability of the aircraft.

regjeringen 

NEWS 2022, March 3rd

Norway receives its first P-8A 'Viking'

On February 24, Norway's first P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) landed at Norway's Evenes airport.
Norway’s new maritime surveillance aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon, will begin patrolling sea areas in 2023. 

The primary mission of P-8 Poseidon is to maintain maritime surveillance and to assist in the development of situational awareness in Norwegian local areas. 
navalnews

TURKEY LHD 'ANADOLU' ENTERS SEA TRIALS PHASE

On February 27, Turkey's Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), the future TCG Anadolu, based in Spanish LHD Juan Carlos I, which is set to become the flagship of the Turkish Navy (Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri) started sea trials.

The initial plan was to commission LHD Anadolu for the Turkish Navy in 2021, but due to delays for a variety of reasons, the deadline has had to be rescheduled. As a result, LHD Anadolu was expected to enter service in 2022, but SSB’s video and statement on the Turkish Defense Industry’s 2022 Projection do not include the LHD’s commissioning.

navalnews

FOUR RUSSIAN JETS VIOLATED SWEEDEN AIRSPACE

Sweeden said four Russian jet fighters violated its airspace the day after the country’s prime minister said her government will seek to boost the country’s military capabilities in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Swedish military officials said the four fighters, two Russian SU-24s and two SU-27s, entered into Swedish airspace on Wednesday just east of the island of Gotland over the Baltic Sea.

A Swedish Jas 39 Gripen fighter tracked the incursion and took photographs of the Russian jets, which quickly left the area.

menafn.com

TURKEY SENDS ADDITIONAL TB2 BAYRAKTAR UCAVs to UKRAINE

Turkey has airlifted additional Baykar Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to Ukraine. The Ukrainian defence minister said on 2 March that new combat ready TB2s had arrived in the country as part of a package of international military assistance. 

The minister's statement followed rumours of a delivery of new TB2s from Turkey after a Turkish Air Force Airbus A400M transport aircraft was tracked flying from Ankara to Poland on 1 March. Prior to the Russian invasion, Ukraine was known to have received six TB2s from Turkey. The minister did not say how many additional TB2s had been delivered. The TB2 is the only UCAV in Ukrainian service and was first used by the country in October 2021. 

Footage released by the Ukrainian government since the launch of offensive Russian operations on 24 February has shown the TB2s to have been heavily engaged in the fighting, destroying several ground vehicles. The TB2 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed to provide the Turkish Army with a tactical intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capability. 

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RUSSIAN HELICOPTER ENTERS JAPAN AEROSPACE

Japan scrambled a fighter jet on Wednesday in response to what appeared to be a Russian helicopter entering its airspace, amid heightened tensions over the crisis in Ukraine. 

The helicopter crossed into Japanese airspace over waters off of the northern island of Hokkaido, the defense ministry said in a brief statement. 

Japan issued warnings and sent an Air Self-Defense Force fighter to respond to the incursion, the ministry said. Tokyo issued a protest with the Russian government through a diplomatic channel. newsbreak

Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept 2 TU-142 - RAF Chief mocks Russia's planes as 'relics of the Cold War'

The quick reaction alert (QRA) Typhoons were monitoring the Russian Tu-142 BEAR-F maritime patrol aircraft while they operated in the UK’s "area of interest" this morning.
The head of the Royal Air Force dismissed two Russian patrol aircraft as "relics of the Cold War" in a rare public rebuke after British jets were forced to scramble to intercept them. The Typhoon fighters launched from an airbase in Lossiemouth, Moray, as the Russian planes flew close to Norway, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) jets were supported by a refuelling tanker aircraft, which flew from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Working with the Norwegian air force, the jets tracked the Tu-142 'BEAR-F' aircraft, which stayed in international airspace over the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea.
The Russian activity at a time of crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic was condemned by Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff.
"These Russian bombers are relics of the Cold War, do not comply with international air traffic regulations and are a hazard to civilian and military aircraft," he said.
"Despite the global pandemic, the Royal Air Force and our allies continue to ensure Russian military flights pose no threat to NATO and UK airspace."
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Norway To Buy 60 AIM-120C AMRAAM

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway for AIM-120 C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for an estimated cost of $170 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 14, 2017.
The Government of Norway requested a possible sale of sixty (60) AIM-120 C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and four (4) AMRAAM guidance section spares. Also included are missile containers, weapon system support, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, technical and support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total case value is $170 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
dsca

1st Norway's F-35 Set To Arrive in country This Week

Norway can finally expect delivery of the first of its new F35 fighter jets from the US later this week. Three of the F35s are due to arrive on Thursday.
The new jets, ordered after years of political debate to replace Norway’s ageing fleet of F16s, make up what the Norwegian defense ministy describes as the country’s largest single acquisition ever made. They’re now expected to cost a whopping NOK 73 billion by the time all are delivered over the next seven years.
Plans call for six new F35s to be delivered every year until 2024. “This is all about the defense department’s ability to ensure Norsk sovereignty, also against future threats,” Gen Maj Morten Klever told news bureau NTB.
Norway’s defense minister and defense chief are due to be on hand at a formal takeover ceremony to be held at the fighter jets’ new base at Ørland next Friday, November 10.
newsinenglish

Germany and Norway place firm order for fleet of five NATO-owned Airbus A330 MRTT tankers

Airbus Defence and Space has received a firm order for five Airbus A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transports from Europe’s organisation for the management of cooperative armament programmes – OCCAR – on behalf of NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) and funded by Germany and Norway.
The order follows the announcement on 29 June of a Memorandum of Understanding under which the two nations would join Netherlands and Luxembourg in the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme.
A contract amendment signed at the OCCAR headquarters in Bonn, Germany today adds five aircraft to the two previously ordered by Netherlands and Luxembourg and includes four additional options to enable other nations to join the grouping. It includes two years of initial support.
The programme is funded by the four nations who will have the exclusive right to operate these NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling arrangement. The aircraft will be configured for in-flight refuelling, the transport of passengers and cargo, and medical evacuation flights.
The first two aircraft have already been ordered to be delivered from Airbus Defence and Space’s tanker conversion line at Getafe near Madrid and all seven are expected to be handed over between 2020 and 2022.
airbus

Pentagon seeks increased P-8 ties with Norway, UK

The United States, United Kingdom and Norway have agreed in principal to create a trilateral coalition built around the P-8 maritime aircraft — though exactly what that means remains unclear.
The Pentagon announced June 29 that the three countries had established a “statement of intent to lay out guiding principles for a trilateral partnership with P-8A aircraft.” In addition, the announcement said the nations are working on a “framework for further cooperation in areas such as readiness, enhancing defense capability, and interoperability.”
defensenews

Germany, Norway join European multinational MRTT program

NATO has taken an important step in improving its ability to refuel aircraft in mid-air, with two Allies joining a European programme to acquire and operate new tanker transport aircraft.
Defence Ministers from Germany and Norway joined a Memorandum of Understanding for a European multinational fleet of Airbus tanker transport aircraft, originally created by the lead-nation Netherlands and Luxembourg. The two countries launched the initiative in July 2016 by ordering two Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, which are due to be delivered in 2020. With Germany and Norway joining the initiative, the fleet is expected to expand to up to seven aircraft.
This multinational fleet arrangement is a concrete step towards reducing the overall European shortage in air-to-air refueling and the over-reliance on U.S. capabilities. At today’s signing ceremony, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment Camille Grand stressed that “this initiative highlights the value of a multinational approach to capability development – working together provides cost-effective and flexible solutions.”
Belgium intends to join this programme in early 2018, and the initiative remains open to other new members. The procurement programme is another example of the increasingly close cooperation between NATO and the European Union.
nato

Norway requests 12 F-35As in proposed block buy

Norway could buy 12 more Lockheed Martin F-35As for delivery in 2021 and 2022 under a new spending plan submitted to Parliament.
The proposal, if approved, would raise the total number of authorised F-35A purchases to 40 aircraft, or only 12 short of the Norwegian air force’s requirement.
The requested authorisation also would allow Norway to participate in a proposed “block buy” for the F-35’s US and international partners.
The F-35 Joint Programme Office is working to package purchases of hundreds of F-35s spread over two or three years from 2018 to 2020 into a single order commitment.
flightglobal

15 F-35 Models Grounded Due to Wiring Issue

The US Air Force has ordered the grounding of 13 F-35A models, as well as a pair of Norwegian F-35As, following the discovery of "peeling and crumbling" coolant tube insulation.
The issue appears to have been with a supplier of coolant lines, which are installed in the wings of the jet. During a routine maintenance check, it was discovered that the insulation on the lines were in some cases decomposing, which left residue in the fuel itself, according to a release from the Norwegian government on the grounding.
The issue has been traced back to the insulated coolant tubes manufactured by one particular provider that have only been installed in the wing fuel tanks of the 15 aircraft — 10 from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, two US and two Norwegian F-35As at Luke AFB, Ariz., and one plane at Nellis AFB, Nev.
The problem was first discovered this summer during depot maintenance of an F-35A being prepared for initial operational capability.
defensenews

Norway authorizes purchase of 6 more F-35

Norway has approved a defense budget that authorizes the purchase of six additional Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets for delivery in 2020, a spokesman for Norway's F-35 program, said on Friday.
The purchase will bring the total number of jets authorized by Norway to 28.
reuters

Germany reveals plan to join MRTT tanker effort

Germany has revealed plans to join the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MFF) alongside the Netherlands, Norway and Poland, to share a fleet of Airbus Defence & Space A330 multi-role tanker transports.
In 2014 the three other nations announced plans to share the burden of operating multirole tanker transports in Europe, and now Germany has decided that as its A310 tanker fleet ages, it will join the effort.
The nations involved are in the negotiation stage with Airbus regarding acquisition of the shared fleet, which had previously been touted as a buy of four of the type.
flightglobal

F-35's Joint Strike Missile Completes Flight Test

The Joint Strike Missile designed for the F-35 fighter jet successfully completed a flight test last week.
The missile was launched from an F-16 based out of Edwards Air Force Base, California, over the Utah Test and Training Range, according to a Nov. 11 statement from Norwegian defense company Kongsberg, which develops the JSM jointly with Raytheon. The successful test validated the maturity of the JSM, according to the release.
The medium-range, anti-ship and land-attack JSM is specifically designed to fit inside the Air Force conventional take-off and landing F-35’s weapons bay, but can also be modified to fit the Navy and Marine Corps variants. Norway is buying 52 F-35s, which will integrate the JSM.
Marking a crucial step forward for the international program, Norwegian F-35 pilots are about to begin training alongside their US and Australian counterparts at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Two Norwegian F-35s touched down at Luke on Tuesday, and later that day a Norwegian pilot flew the plane for the first time, according to a Lockheed Martin statement.
defensenews

2 Norwegian F-35s arrive at Arizona air base for training

An initial contingent of Norwegian F-35 fighters has arrived at an Arizona air base to be used in pilot training.
Base officials said two Norwegian F-35s arrived Tuesday at Luke AFB, which is located on the west side of the Phoenix metro area.
According to base officials, Norway will have seven F-35s stationed at Luke.
Luke got its first F-35 in March 2014 and currently has 30.
militarytimes

Norway reconfirms plans to acquire 52 F-35s

Norway's defence ministry has used a strategic defence review to underline its continued commitment to acquiring 52 F-35s, as well as outlining plans to acquire different types of manned and unmanned surveillance aircraft.
Presented by defence chief Adm Haakon Bruun-Hanssen on 1 October, the review will help inform a new long-term plan for the Norwegian armed forces expected to be released in 2016.
Speculation had suggested that Oslo was prepared to scale back its F-35 acquisition. However, Bruun-Hanssen notes that he is “required to keep the minimum of F-35s, due to [its] importance as the future backbone of the Norwegian armed forces”.
Of the 52 required, 28 will be operational by 2020 and the other 34 by 2024 - the first F-35A for Norway, which will be based in the USA for training, was unveiled on 23 September.
flightglobal

U.S. orders components for 94 F-35s

The U.S. Department of Defense is awarding Lockheed Martin a $920.3 million advance acquisition contract for long lead time items for F-35 fighters.
The materials, parts and components are for the manufacture of 94 F-35A Lightning II low-rate initial production aircraft -- 44 F-35As for the U.S. Air Force, two each for Italy and Turkey, eight for Australia, six for Norway, and 16 for other countries.
In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of parts for the manufacture of 14 F-35B variant aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, Britain and Italy and for two F-35C variant aircraft for the U.S. Navy and Marines.
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Fighter jet exercise kicks off in Norway

One of Europe’s largest fighter jet exercises kicked off Monday north of the Arctic Circle, a region where growing Russian activity has sparked concerns among neighboring countries.
Arctic Challenge 2015 brings together close to 100 fighter jets and more than 4,000 individual participants from nine nations, according to Norway’s military, which is hosting the exercise. Twelve USAF F-16 fighters will take part in the 12-day event, as will several of NATO’s early warning aircraft, known as AWACS.
The drills aim to smooth coordination among allies operating in a region stretching from northern Norway across Sweden to Finland. It comes at a time of growing Russian air activity in the region, which is adjacent to Russian territory.
Arctic Challenge was last held in 2013. This year’s event is one of a series of bulked-up military exercises being held across northern Europe in response to increased Russian military activity.
Non-NATO members Sweden and Finland are participating more frequently in those exercises and training, as a consequence of increased tensions in the area.
Other participants in the exercise include Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, another non-NATO nation.
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