On September 2, 2024, the first of four P-3 Orion aircraft acquired by the Argentine Navy from Norway arrived at the Almirante Zar Naval Air Base in Trelew, Chubut Province. The aircraft, initially registered as 163299, underwent maintenance and upgrades in the United States before being transferred to Argentina. It will be re-registered as 6-P-57 and assigned to the Naval Exploration Squadron of the 3rd Naval Force, based in Trelew.
The acquisition of these four aircraft (three P-3C models and one P-3N) was conducted through the National Public Investment Project. The objective of this procurement is to enhance the operational and logistical capabilities of the Naval Aviation Command’s search and exploration fleet. The new aircraft will support the Navy’s responsibilities under Law No. 22,445, which include fulfilling international obligations related to search and rescue operations across a maritime zone of 16.2 million square kilometers. The aircraft will also aid in safeguarding Argentina’s sovereign rights within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and other national maritime and river spaces, including regions such as Argentine Antarctica.