DefenseArgentina receives second P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft
The Argentine Navy received its second P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft on October 14, at Base Aeronaval Comandante Espora. The aircraft arrived from the United States with a stopover in Peru.
The P-3C Orion, to be registered as ‘6-P-58,’ will join the Escuadrilha Aeronaval de Exploración. The aircraft is scheduled to be repainted in Argentine Navy colors before its official presentation.
This delivery is part of ongoing efforts by the Argentine Navy and Ministry of Defense to restore maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities. Currently, only one older P-3B remains in service, with its operational future uncertain.
Argentina expects to receive two additional aircraft to fulfill a 2023 agreement with Norway. The deal covers four ex-Norwegian P-3 aircraft: three P-3C variants and one P-3N.
The first P-3C Orion arrived in September 2024 at Base Aérea Naval Almirante Zar in Trelew, also after a transfer flight from the United States. These aircraft were originally operated by Norway, which replaced them with Boeing P-8A Poseidon jets.
With the second P-3C now delivered, the Argentine Navy continues its phased fleet renewal. The arrival of the remaining aircraft will complete the planned modernization of its maritime patrol assets.
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