First P-3C for Argentina delivered
September 4, 2024
The first ‘new’ Lockheed P-3C Orion for the Comando de Aviación Naval (COAN, Argentine Naval Aviation Command) arrived at Base Aeronaval Almirante Zar at Trelew in Chubut province on 2 September 2024.
The aircraft is one of four ex Royal Norwegian Air Force examples acquired from the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA). The first three aircraft are P-3Cs, while the last is a P-3N (a P-3B modified for coast guard and SAR missions). The two countries signed an acquisition agreement on 17 October 2023, but deliveries have reportedly been delayed by late payments, which missed agreed deadlines.
The P-3C Orions are much more capable ASW and anti-ship aircraft than Argentina’s existing six P-3Bs (which have been grounded for many years, though some may be being refurbished for a return to service). They incorporate the Raytheon AN/APS-137B(V)5 radar, an AN/AAR-47 infrared sensor and an AN/ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector, and are expected to be upgraded to carry the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile. Before delivery, the ex-Norwegian aircraft underwent a US$ 51.7 million upgrade, receiving newer anti-submarine warfare and mission computers.
A former Norwegian P-3C (3299, c/n 285H-5820) the new aircraft will be operated by the Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Exploración of 6 Escuadra Aeronaval. It still wore its Norwegian serial and name (‘Ulabrand’) but will be serialled as 6-P-57 in Argentine service. After retirement in Norway the aircraft underwent modifications at Davis-Monthan AFB and at Rockland, Starke, Florida.
