GDMS-Canada Begins Modifications on First Portuguese P-3C Aircraft with CCC and IMP Aerospace & Defence

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada has inducted the first of five P-3C aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force for upgrade alongside CCC (Canadian Commercial Corporation) at IMP Aerospace & Defence facilities in Halifax.

General Dynamics will leverage their Airborne Data Management System to modify the communications and mission electronics. This system, developed entirely in Canada, has been installed on over 50 Canadian and allied aircraft. Drawing from Canada’s investment in the newly modernized CP-140 Block IV, the modifications will allow the Portuguese Air Force, as a NATO member, to maintain the capabilities required to contribute to new and existing missions.

IMP Aerospace will perform the installation of the new systems and collaborate with General Dynamics to test the upgrades in early 2024.

“Since 1948, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada has a proud history of working alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and allied nations,” says Joel Houde, Vice-President and General Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–International. “This program speaks to our trusted expertise in detecting today's threats and supporting modern-day operations. We are proud of our partnership with the Portuguese Air Force and are delighted to start modifications on the P-3C fleet as we work to put them into service commencing next year.”

”This modification program is crucial for our P-3C fleet in order to ensure that the platform continues to respond adequately to the current and future operational scenarios,” says Brigadier General Nogueira, Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate, Portuguese Air Force. “For that we are confident that the GDMS-C, with the engagement of IMP and CCC, due to their knowledge and expertise in this platform, will guarantee the level of quality that will fulfill the demanding standards required by Portuguese Air Force”.

“CCC is pleased to partner with General Dynamics and IMP Aerospace, to deliver world-class Canadian aerospace and defence technology and expertise to the Portuguese Air Force using our government to government contracting approach.” – Kim Douglas, VP of Business Development and Marketing, CCC

“We are thrilled to be conducting this program for the Portuguese Air Force with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, a key long-term partner of ours. We believe that our selection for this program is a testament to the decades of experience that IMP has built supporting both Canada’s Long Range Patrol fleets and the world’s P-3 Orion community. We are particularly excited to induct the first Portuguese P-3C aircraft into the upgrade program and we are certain that this enhancement to the mission system will keep the platform mission ready for Portugal for many years to come.” – Clark Bain, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Development, IMP Aerospace & Defence.