The Portuguese Air Force has awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada a $24 million contract to help modernize its fleet of P-3C aircraft to support maritime patrol and reconnaissance activities.

This was achieved through a government-to-government (G2G) contract between the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and the Portuguese Air Force.

General Dynamics will provide the equipment and technology to upgrade the mission’s communications and electronics. The Portuguese P-3C fleet upgrades are modeled after the upgrades that General Dynamics provides to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The mission management system offered in Portugal now includes more than 50 installations worldwide on maritime patrol aircraft and maritime patrol helicopters.

“We are delighted to partner with the Portuguese Air Force, leveraging Canada’s investment and long-term commitment to the P-3 fleet,” said Matt Young, Senior Director, Naval Air Systems and international at General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada. “As standards and threats evolve, we are proud to help our customers around the world cope with the changing environment.”

The upgrades will allow the Portuguese Air Force, as a NATO member, to maintain the capabilities needed to contribute to new and existing NATO activities. In addition to maritime patrol and reconnaissance activities, the Portuguese Air Force also provides air policing, air transport, search and rescue and medical evacuations.

“CCC is proud to simplify and streamline the acquisition of Canadian expertise and technology by Portugal, a NATO ally and important trading partner,” said Mathieu Lacroix, CCC Account Manager, Aerospace.

Portugal has operated P-3s since 1988, after purchasing six airframes from Australia. A total of five aircraft are currently in service, providing search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Portugal. They were upgraded to the P-3C CUP+ variant under a €99.7 million contract with Lockheed Martin since 2007.