Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the last of the nine P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft modernised with new systems and avionics for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The aircraft has been ferried from Seville, Spain to Salvador de Bahía, Brazil, where it will be based.

Airbus Defence and Space has installed its fully integrated tactical system (FITS) and a completely new suite of mission sensors, communications systems and cockpit avionics. In addition, the aircraft engines and structures were updated, extending the fleet’s operational life for many years to come and providing Brazil with a modern and highly effective asset suitable for military and civic duties including anti-submarine, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and economic exclusion zone enforcement.

“This has been a large and complex programme and we are very proud of the work done in upgrading the Brazilian P-3 fleet. The FAB now has one of the most modern fleets in its class”, said Antonio Rodríguez Barberán, Head of Commercial for Military Aircraft with Airbus Defence and Space.