General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada modernizes Portuguese P-3Cs

General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada has been awarded a $24 million contract. The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) is helping to modernize its fleet of P-3C CUP+ aircraft in support of maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations.

This was ensured through a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Portuguese Air Force.

Government-to-Government (G2G) contracts are part of CCC’s International Prime Contractor Program, which brings qualified Canadian companies to foreign government buyers.

General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada will provide equipment and technology to improve Portuguese Orion’s communications and mission electronics.

The upgrades to Portugal’s P3-C fleet are modeled after the modernization provided by General Dynamics to the Royal Canadian Air Force for the C-140 Aurora.

The mission management system provided to Portugal now includes more than 50 installations worldwide with both maritime patrol aircraft and maritime patrol helicopters.

The upgrades will allow the FAP to maintain the capabilities needed to contribute to new and existing NATO operations as a member of NATO.

The P-3C CUP + retains all maritime patrol capabilities derived from the P-3P, namely Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Search and Rescue (SAR).

In addition, a series of modern sensors associated with a fully integrated tactical mission system allows the P-3C CUP + to perform various missions in a terrain environment.

It is equipped with an MLWS (Missile and Laser Warning System) self-defense system that allows it to detect threats and implement countermeasures.

Portuguese aircraft are armed with AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, AGM-65F/G Maverick anti-aircraft missiles, MK-46 A(s) torpedoes, MK-82/83/84 bombs and MK 36 mines.

Source General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada

Photo Forca Area Portugal