The addition of the second P-3C Orion aircraft, acquired from Norway, strengthens control over the South Atlantic, combats illegal fishing, and consolidates Argentine sovereignty
The P-3C Orion, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is one of the most advanced maritime patrol aircraft in the world. With a length of 35.57 meters (116.7 feet), a wingspan of 30.38 meters (99.7 feet), and a height of 10.27 meters (33.7 feet), this maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft is powered by four Allison T56-A-14 turboprop engines of 4,600 HP each, allowing it to reach a speed of 330 knots (about 610 km/h) and operate for 12 continuous hours with a range of 2,780 km (1,727 miles).
October 14 marked a new chapter in the recovery of Argentina's strategic capabilities. On that day, the second P-3C Orion aircraft —out of a total of four acquired from Norway— formally joined the Argentine Navy at the Comandante Espora Naval Air Base, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Bahía Blanca. The aircraft, a symbol of modern maritime power, strengthens control over the South Atlantic and the defense of national resources, which are central pillars of President Javier Milei's administration.
The Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, highlighted the importance of this addition within the framework of the Armed Forces modernization process promoted by the Government: "With this second P-3 Orion, we're continuing to recover the capacity for control and response, ensuring that Argentina protects its resources, territory, and sovereignty," stated Petri, who supervised the arrival of the aircraft.
La Armada incorporó un nuevo avión P-3C Orion
Since the incorporation of the first P-3 Orion in 2024, Argentina has once again established an effective presence at the 200-mile mark, monitoring the entry of foreign vessels and combating illegal fishing in the Argentine Sea. With this second unit, the country consolidates its surveillance and deterrence capabilities, moving toward full sovereign control of its waters and continental platforms.
La Armada incorporó un nuevo avión P-3C Orion.
Its sophisticated equipment includes synthetic aperture radars, infrared sensors, magnetic anomaly detectors, acoustic processors for underwater detection, and automatic identification systems (AIS). These capabilities make it possible to detect, identify, and track surface and underwater targets with millimetric precision, even in adverse weather conditions.
In addition, its state-of-the-art communications system allows it to transmit information in real time and coordinate operations with other forces and state agencies, ensuring an immediate response to any threat or emergency.
