The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of P-3B aircraft overhaul, upgrade and associated equipment to Greece.
Under the estimated $500m deal, Greece has requested the modification and reactivation of two P-3B aircraft, and the modernisation of approximately five P-3B aircraft, including structural mid-life upgrades (MLU), phased depot maintenance (PDM), mission integration and management systems (MIMS), as well as new flight avionics.
The MLU includes extended service life for 15,000 flight hours, spare and repair equipment, repair and return, support equipment, publications, technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment.
Additional supplies include US Government and contractor logistics, engineering and technical support services, in addition to other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The deal will enable the Hellenic Navy (HN) to restart the operation of its P-3B aircraft for land-based maritime patrol, reconnaissance, surveillance and protection of areas of national interest.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics has been named as the prime contractor for the programme.
Powered by four Allison T56-A-14 engines, Lockheed Martin’s P-3s are integrated with infrared and long-range electro-optical cameras, in addition to particular imaging radar that can monitor activity from a considerable distance.
The P-3s can be deployed for a range of missions, including submarine hunting, over-land missions, protecting shipping lanes, deterring pirates, thwarting drug smuggling attempts and illegal immigration prevention, in addition to anti-terrorism operations.
