Canada has signed a government-to-government contract to modernize five Portuguese Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
Managed by the Canadian Commercial Corporation, the 39-million Canadian dollar ($28.7 million) deal will see General Dynamics Mission Systems (GMDS) Canada upgrade the aircraft to extend their service life and enhance Portugal’s contribution to NATO operations.
The program builds on a 2022 modernization agreement covering Portugal’s initial P-3C fleet and is expected to support up to 50 roles in Canada’s defense and aerospace sector.
The P-3C Orion serves as a core platform for Portugal’s maritime patrol operations, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions across the Atlantic.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the project reflects growing defense partnership between the two countries.
“This modernization initiative deepens our bilateral trade and defence relationship while advancing Canada’s commitment to closer cooperation with European Allies,” Sidhu said.
“By contributing Canadian expertise and innovation, we are strengthening transatlantic supply‑chain resiliency and reinforcing the economic cooperation that supports stability and prosperity across the Atlantic.”
The P-3C Orion
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Orion spans 116 feet (35 meters), has a wingspan of 100 feet (30 meters), and a seating capacity for up to 11 personnel.
Users can arm the plane with air-to-surface, anti-ship, and standoff land attack missiles, depth charges, cluster and nuclear bombs, naval mines, and torpedoes.
The platform is equipped with four Allison T56 turboprop engines with an output of 4,910 horsepower each and four-bladed Hamilton reversible propellers.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of 411 knots (761 kilometers/473 miles per hour), a range of 1,345 nautical miles (2490 kilometers), and a service ceiling of 28,300 feet (8,626 meters).
