The Lockheed P-3 Orion, a turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft, has been a staple in aerial fleets worldwide since its first flight in 1959. Developed from the Lockheed L-188 Electra commercial airliner, the P-3 has served the military needs of various nations including the U.S., China, Japan, and South Korea.
The Argentine Navy will undertake long-range maritime patrol and surveillance missions with a fleet of four ex-Norwegian P-3 Orion aircraft under a deal announced by Argentina on 17th October.
Since the aborted June coup attempt in Russia by now-assassinated Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the United States and the United Kingdom have been escalating their aerial surveillance of Russian, Belorussian and Wagner Group forces in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Their activity is necessary because other NATO member states either lack the capability or, as in France and Germany's case, the cost-willingness to support this intelligence effort.
Argentina is evaluating choices including second-hand F-16 fighters from Denmark and Chengdu JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters offered by China. The potential deals come as the South American country seeks to replace its outdated aircraft, navigating obstacles such as arms embargoes, international partnerships and geopolitical considerations.