After changes to the original schedule set by the Naval Aviation Command, the Argentine Navy is finalizing preparations for the incorporation of the second P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, part of the batch of four acquired from Norway. According to information obtained by Zona Militar, the aircraft’s crew will begin their trip in the coming days to the United States to receive the aircraft—presumably registered as 6-P-58—in order to carry out the ferry flight to Argentina.
Since the signing of the original agreements in October 2023, and following their reformulation under the current leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the incorporation of the P-3C/N Orions acquired from the Kingdom of Norway represents one of the most important programs for the recovery of capabilities for the Argentine Navy, which had effectively lost its long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capacity.
With the incorporation of the first aircraft, registration 6-P-57, in September of last year, the delivery schedule officially began for these aircraft that previously served with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, which replaced them with the brand-new P-8 Poseidons.
As with the aircraft delivered last year, the second “Charlie” unit is also being prepared by MHD-ROCKLAND in the state of Florida. However, although its arrival in Argentina had been expected during the first half of the year, various delays prevented this from happening.
In this regard, and in response to one of the questions raised during Report No. 144 to the National Congress, the Cabinet Chief of Ministers confirmed that the arrival of this aircraft will take place during the current month of October.
With this in mind, sources told Zona Militar that the crew bringing the aircraft to Argentina will depart for the United States in the coming days to complete its reception and the corresponding delivery flights, in order to obtain the necessary certification and begin the ferry flight to Argentina.
Finally, and according to Report No. 144, regarding the delivery of the remaining P-3C and the last P-3N, the third unit is expected to be delivered during the first half of 2026, while the fourth “November” “…is scheduled to begin major maintenance in November, with its arrival in Argentina and incorporation into the squadron expected during the second half of 2026.”
*Photographs for illustration purposes only
*Original text written in Spanish by Juan José Roldán
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