The Netherlands Parliament has endorsed an agreement with Lockheed Martin to upgrade the country's fleet of P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft.

A letter of acceptance was signed in June, but it required the backing of the Dutch legislature before the contract could move forward. The deal, packaged as a foreign military sales order through the U.S., would cover 10 P-3s.
The P-3s will receive new mission avionics based on the U.S. Navy's anti-submarine warfare improvement program and block modification upgrade program. Mission capabilities to be enhanced include acoustics, non-acoustic sensors, communications, self-protection gear, display systems, and controls.

Lockheed Martin has meanwhile completed P-3C deliveries to Norway. The $50 million contract was for four aircraft.

By Robert Wall