BAAINBw press release – Translated by Naval News
Portugal is acquiring the German Navy’s fleet of six P-3C ORION turboprop aircraft awaiting retirement, including associated material and equipment. This includes the flight and tactical simulator and the so-called mid-life upgrade kits (MLU).
In the run-up to the signing of the contract, Portugal expressed its interest in the MPAs in 2022 and has inspected them several times in the meantime.
Aircraft and material are now to be gradually transferred from Nordholz to Portugal. This will free up space for the Bundeswehr and pave the way for the new P-8A maritime patrol aircraft POSEIDON, which have already been ordered and are to enter service from Nordholz in 2025.
Portugal intends to further expand its fleet of five P-3C ORIONs and thus ensure significantly more stable operational flight operations and strengthen its own capabilities within the NATO alliance in the coming years.
“The continued use of the material by our NATO partner is a sustainable and economical solution for both sides. It is very pleasing that we will be able to continue to see the aircraft in flight operations in the future.”
Stefan Rauscher, BAAINBw director
