March 9, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, today welcomed the signature of the Canadian Commercial Corporation’s (CCC) $39 million government-to-government (G2G) contract with the Portuguese Air Force to modernize five additional P-3C Orion aircraft.

Under this contract, General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada (GDMS-Canada) will upgrade the aircraft to extend their service life and enhance Portugal’s contribution to NATO’s collective security. This builds on the 2022 G2G contract that modernized Portugal’s initial P-3C fleet and will support up to 50 jobs here in Canada.

The new initiative reinforces defence cooperation between Canada and Portugal and underscores the enduring partnership and shared commitment of both nations to transatlantic security and stability. The agreement also reflects Canada’s focus on diversifying trade and strengthening ties with European Allies through collaborative defence projects.