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Upgraded Orions for Portugal
The Portuguese Air Force has taken delivery of the first of five upgraded P-3C CUP+ standard Orions.
The Portuguese Air Force's fleet of P-3P Orions will be retired. FAP image
October 12: The Portuguese Air Force has taken delivery of the first of five upgraded P-3C CUP+ standard Orions purchased from the Royal Netherlands Navy in February 2005.
Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems undertook the work on the first two aircraft through a €99 million contract awarded by the Portuguese Ministry of Defence.
The other three aircraft will be upgraded by Portuguese industry and will be delivered by 2012.
The Orions will be used in the maritime surveillance role by Esquadra 601 of the Portuguese Air Force at Beja Air Base and will replace six P-3P aircraft purchased from the Royal Australian Air Force in 1985 and brought into operation in 1988.
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