P-3C ORION Maritime Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft
The capability for long-range maritime reconnaissance is being maintained by means of the still existing weapon system BR 1150 Breguet Atlantic which still has remaining capability that can be used for operations. In 2005, the number of aircraft will be reduced from 12 to 4 and in 2006 all the remaining aircraft will be decommissioned.
Phasing out the MPA BR 1150 Breguet Atlantic as intended leads to capability gaps in the areas of antisubmarine warfare, anti surface warfare and long-range maritime reconnaissance. These gaps are closed with the procurement of the MPA P-3C ORION. In addition, the identified capability gaps in the areas command and control capability and survivability are closed by the procurement of the P-3C ORION and existing capabilities are consistently advanced. The P-3C ORION is equipped with data communication systems and can thus be employed for network centric operations in a joint and combined context. As a force multiplier, this weapons system will thus contribute considerably to the information and command and control superiority and to superior engagement capability of the armed forces.
