The Argentine Navy is preparing to take delivery of its first P-3N/C Orion from a four-aircraft deal reached with the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
According to Zona Militar, the first P-3 Orion is expected to arrive in the South American country in the first week of December – the outlet even specifies the date (7 December).
The maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare turboprops are in the United States, undergoing a preparation process for delivery to Argentina.
The aircraft were decommissioned by Norway thanks to the order of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, based on the 737 passenger jet.
The agreement was approved by the US government, which seeks to get closer to Argentina amid growing Chinese influence in the region.
F-16 fighters
The Biden administration also approved the sale of 24 F-16 fighters that are being withdrawn from service by Denmark, however, the Argentine government has not yet defined the winner of the competition for a new combat fighter for the Air Force.
The contract for the four P-3N/C had a value of US$60 million and includes updated aircraft with an extended useful life thanks to the replacement of structural parts.
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Still in service in Norway, the P-3s received important upgrades related to anti-submarine capabilities. Additionally, P-3N turboprops can perform search and rescue.
The Argentine Navy had been without an aircraft of this type since the 1990s when it retired its P-3B Orion.
