Argentina bought four P-3 Orion coastal patrol aircraft from Norway at a cost of $60 million

Despite the crisis, Argentina has found funds to buy four patrol aircraft. The South American country chose the P-3 Orion.

Here's What We Know

Talks about the purchase of coastal patrol aircraft by Argentina began a long time ago. This week, the Ministry of Defence officially announced the purchase of four planes that were decommissioned by Norway. The deal totalled $60 million.

The agreement was formalised at a ceremony attended by key officials. In particular, the event was attended by Defence Minister Jorge Taiana and the commander of the Argentine Navy, Admiral Julio Guardia.

The deal was financed by Argentina's National Defence Fund. The aircraft will primarily be used for surveillance and search and rescue operations in the South Atlantic, which includes Argentina's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

The pilots are already in the United States, where they will have to undergo training on an aircraft simulator. Earlier, the United States approved the sale of the P-3 Orion. In addition, Washington wants to induce Argentina to buy almost 40 old F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from the Royal Danish Air Force.