Lockheed Martin Delivers Upgraded P-3C Cup Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft To Portuguese Air Force

Lockheed Martin has delivered the last upgraded P-3C CUP Orion maritime patrol aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force in a € 99.7 million contract. The maritime patrol aircraft replaces the P-3P Orion aircraft. The five former Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) P-3C Orion aircraft were purchased by the Portuguese procurement agency. The upgrade program has comprised the integration of several new items including Elta Systems EL/M 2022A(V)3 multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, L-3 Wescam MX-15 HDi imaging system, ALR-95 electronic support measures system, AAR-47 missile warning system, ALE-47 counter measure dispensing system and USQ-78B acoustic sensor. The aircraft can carry out tasks such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, search & rescue, combat support, communications relay and maritime surveillance. The aircraft was also fitted with provisions for the launch of AGM-84 Harpoon and AGM-65 Maverick missiles, MK 46 Mod 5 lightweight torpedo system, depth charges and standard general purpose bombs.