The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) is handing over six P-3C Orion aircraft to Portugal’s air force on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. A contract to this effect was signed yesterday with representatives of the Portuguese armed forces in Lisbon.
Portugal is acquiring from Germany the fleet of six P-3C Orion turboprop aircraft of the German Navy that are due to be retired, including the associated material and equipment. This includes the flight and tactical simulator as well as the mid-life upgrade (MLU) kits. https://militaeraktuell.at/das-bundesheer-entscheidet-sich-fuer-die-embraer-c-390/ Prior to signing the contract, Portugal had expressed its interest in the aircraft in 2022 and has inspected them several times in the meantime. Aircraft and material are now to be successively transferred from Nordholz to Portugal. The Bundeswehr is thus making room and clearing the way for the new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft already ordered from manufacturer Boeing, which are to be deployed from Nordholz from 2025.
Portugal intends to further expand its fleet of five P-3C Orion aircraft, thereby ensuring significantly more stable operational flight operations and strengthening its own capabilities within the NATO alliance in the coming years. “The continued use of the material by our NATO partner is both a sustainable and economical solution for both sides. It is very pleasing that we will be able to continue to see the aircraft in flight operations in the future,” said Stefan Rauscher, Director of the BAAINBw, who attended the signing of the contract.
