Argentina Receives Second P-3 Orion Aircraft from Norway

Argentina has received its second P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Norway, reinforcing the Navy’s surveillance and control over national waters.

The aircraft arrived at the Comandante Espora Naval Air Base near Bahía Blanca, the Ministry of Defense confirmed on October 15.

The delivery marks the second of four P-3 Orions acquired from Norway. The first was received in 2024, giving Argentina the ability to monitor its 200-mile exclusive economic zone, detect illegal fishing, and strengthen control over the South Atlantic.

Built by Lockheed Martin, the P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop aircraft for maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare. It has a 12-hour endurance and 1,500-nautical-mile range, allowing coverage of the Argentine coastline, continental shelf, and Antarctic region.

The aircraft carries synthetic aperture radar, infrared and visual sensors, acoustic processors, magnetic anomaly detectors, and automatic identification systems (AIS), supporting real-time surveillance, anti-submarine, and search and rescue missions.

The Defense Ministry said the P-3 Orion program enhances Argentina’s ability to combat illegal exploitation of maritime resources in the South Atlantic.