Canada has finalized a government-to-government contract to upgrade five Portuguese Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, strengthening defense cooperation between the two NATO partners.
The 39-million Canadian dollar ($28.7-million) program will be overseen by the Canadian Commercial Corporation, with modernization work carried out by General Dynamics Mission Systems Canada. The upgrades aim to extend the aircraft’s operational life while improving Portugal’s ability to support NATO maritime surveillance missions.
This effort builds on an earlier 2022 modernization agreement for Portugal’s P-3C fleet and is expected to sustain roughly 50 jobs within Canada’s defense and aerospace sector.
The Lockheed Martin P‑3C Orion is a central platform for Portugal’s maritime security operations, performing roles that include anti-submarine warfare, intelligence collection, surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions across the Atlantic Ocean.
Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu noted that the project demonstrates the deepening defense relationship between Canada and Portugal.
Designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft is 116 feet (35 meters) long with a 100-foot (30-meter) wingspan and can carry a crew of up to 11 personnel. It can be armed with anti-ship and air-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, naval mines, depth charges, and other strike munitions.
The aircraft is powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engine engines, each generating 4,910 horsepower, paired with Hamilton Standard reversible propellers. It can reach speeds of 411 knots (761 km/h), has a range of 1,345 nautical miles (2,490 km), and operates at altitudes up to 28,300 feet (8,626 meters).
