Historic: first P-3C Orion arrives in Argentina for the Navy

The first of the four P-3C Orion maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircrafts purchased from Norway for the Argentine Navy (ARA), arrived today at the Almirante Zar Naval Air Base in the city of Trelew.

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En la tarde de #hoy arribó a la Base Aeronaval Almirante Zar en la Ciudad de Trelew, el primero de los cuatro P3 Orion para la #ArmadaArgentina?? ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/clgszFk9U0

— Armada Argentina (@Armada_Arg) September 2, 2024

The first of four Lockheed P-3C «Orion» aircraft, acquired by the Argentine Navy from Norway, touched down at Almirante Zar Naval Base in Trelew, Chubut, on Monday afternoon, September 2nd. This acquisition is intended to enhance the operational and logistical capabilities of the Naval Aviation Command’s search and exploration aircraft.

According to the Gaceta Marinera, the Argentine Navy’s publication, this initial P-3C Orion, currently registered as 163299, will be re-registered as 6-P-57 and will be based at the Naval Exploration Squadron, part of Naval Force No. 3.

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The Argentine Navy extends its reach

The P-3C Orion variant will provide the Argentine Navy with an enhanced long-range maritime patrol capability, essential for the surveillance and control of expansive maritime areas within its national interest. This aircraft will facilitate compliance with international maritime obligations, such as search and rescue (SAR) operations within a 16,200,000 km² SAR region, and will reinforce Argentina’s sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The four P-3 Orion aircraft acquired by the Argentine Navy have undergone a comprehensive service life extension program, extending their operational lifespan by at least 15 years. With a range of 1,500 nautical miles and an endurance of 12 hours, these long-range maritime patrol aircraft are ideally suited for operations over extensive areas, including the Argentine coastline, the continental shelf, and Antarctica.

Equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and communication systems, the Orions are capable of detecting and tracking both surface and subsurface targets. These versatile aircraft can also perform search and rescue missions in a variety of weather conditions, making them an indispensable asset for ensuring maritime security and fulfilling Argentina’s international commitments.

Presentation in Buenos Aires

The reception ceremony of this first Orion will take place in mid-September at the Aeroparque Military Air Base in the city of Buenos Aires, and will be presided over by the Minister of Defense, Dr. Luis Alfonzo Petri, accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy, Vice Admiral Carlos María Allievi.