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Pakistan’s P-3 Orion Maritime Aircraft - and their Harpoons

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  • Pakistan’s P-3 Orion Maritime Aircraft - and their Harpoons

    Pakistan’s P-3 Orion Maritime Aircraft - and their Harpoons

    Pakistan’s P-3 Orion Maritime Aircraft - and their Harpoons

    04-Jan-2010 12:50 EST

    Pakistani P-3
    (click to view full)

    In late 2004, Portuguese aircraft refitter OGMA was chosen by Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA to refit Pakistan’s 2 P-3C Update II.5 Orion maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft for service. In addition, Pakistan was preparing to buy 8 US Navy surplus P-3C aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales program.

    Pakistan’s location on the Indian Ocean places it next to the Persian Gulf, and its rivalry with India ensures that its maritime patrol and strike capabilities will remain relevant across a wide expanse of ocean. Subsequent orders have served to detail the modernization work for Pakistan’s fleet, additional aircraft buys and refurbishment orders, and accompanying orders for AGM-84 Harpoon missiles that can attack naval or land targets. The latest contract includes an order for additional mission systems work…

    Contracts and Key Events

    AGM-84 Harpoon launch
    (click to view full)

    While the P-3 Orion and Harpoon missile orders are separate deals, the Harpoon is the Orion’s critical surface warfare capability. A P-3 without Harpoon missiles is a patrol aircraft and a threat to submarines. One with Harpoon missiles can become a threat to any surface ship within the wide arc of its range – which in Pakistan’s case extends to the Strait of Hormuz, and across a wide swathe of the Indian Ocean.

    Dec 23/09: Lockheed Martin Corp. in Eagan, MN receives a $34.2 million modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract, adding funding for Pakistani P-3C mission system spares.

    Work will be performed in Eagan, MN (75%), Oldsmar, FL (20%), and Manassas, VA (5%), and is expected to be complete in September 2011. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Lakehurst, NJ manages this contract (N00019-06-D-0012).

    Nov 23/09: Lockheed Martin Corp. in Eagan, MN receives a $4.4 million modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0012) to upgrade 7 P-3C aircraft for the government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales program. This modification will replace the airplanes’ obsolete and unsustainable avionics systems with modern equipment.

    Work will be performed in Eagan, MN (70%), and Greenville, SC (30%), and is expected to be complete in February 2013. The Naval Air Warfare Center in Lakehurst, NJ manages this contract.

    June 5/08: An $8.1 million indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with an estimated value of $8,134,542 for engineering, logistics, and technical services in support of the Harpoon Weapon Systems and SLAM-ER Missile System for the U.S. Navy, and for the Governments of Australia, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

    May 31/07: A $8.1 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0027) for the procurement of a Harpoon Missile Subsystem Test Set Weapon Station upgrade, interim spares, installation and checkout, and applicable training for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

    Work will be performed in St. Charles, MO (34.02%); Dallas, TX (28.89%); St. Louis, MO (18.46%); Oklahoma City, OK (7.34%); St. Louis, MO (3.43%); Yorba Linda, CA (3.19%); Chatsworth, CA (1.20%); Englewood, CO (0.70%); Austin, TX (0.60%); and various locations across the United States (2.17%) and is expected to be complete in January 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD.

    April 13/07: Small business qualifier Delex Systems, Inc. in, Vienna, VA received a $7.5 million firm-fixed-priced order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-03-G-0015) for the development, documentation, testing and delivery of a turnkey Harpoon Tactical Training Program for the Pakistan Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

    Work will be performed in Vienna, VA (95%), and Karachi, Pakistan (5%), and is expected to be complete in April 2012. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.

    March 30/07: A $191.4 million firm-fixed-priced contract for Harpoon missiles combines US and foreign military sales.

    Included in the purchase is 30 Harpoon Tactical Block II Encapsulated All-Up Rounds for Pakistan, comprising $33.27% of the total order at $63.7 million. This contract was not competitively procured (N00019-07-C-0037).

    Feb 13/07: Lockheed Martin announces a $186.5 million Foreign Military Sale contract to continue providing mission system upgrades and support for 7 Pakistani P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft. See also March 3/06 entry.

    The Pakistan Navy’s P-3C Upgrade Program began in March 2006. The 1st modified aircraft was delivered in January 2007, and the 2nd refurbished aircraft is reportedly set for induction in March 2007. Lockheed Martin release | Express India.

    Jan 19/07: The 1st refurbished Pakistani P-3C is handed over in an induction ceremony. The aircraft will be based at Naval Base Karachi. PPI | IRNA.

    May 31/06: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency officially announces [PDF] Pakistan’s request to buy 50 UGM-84L (submarine-launched), 50 RGM-84L (surface-launched), and 30 AGM-84L (air-launched) Block II Harpoon missiles; 5 Encapsulated Harpoon Command Launch Systems; 115 containers; missile modifications; training devices; spare and repair parts; technical support; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; technical data and publications; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $370 million.

    Read “Ahoy! Pakistan Requesting 150 Harpoon Missiles” for more information concerning the purchase, and the Block II Harpoon.

    March 3/06: Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime Systems and Sensors in St. Paul, MN receives a $186.5 million ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0012) for the fabrication, integration and testing of 7 P-3 aircraft missions systems for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Greensville, SC (90%) and Eagan, MN (10%) and is expected to be complete in July 2011.

    This modification includes a fully capable Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar ISAR/SAR, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), acoustic system, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system, communication system and Inter-Communication System (ICS). In addition, this modification includes the installation of upgraded P-3 mission systems into the Orion aircraft.

    Feb 12/06: A $15.8 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0027), exercising an option for 10 Harpoon Tactical Block II Grade B All-Up-Round (AUR) missiles and 10 MK631 Canister AUR Containers for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

    Work will be performed in St. Charles, MO (50.46%); McKinney, TX (15.14%); Toledo, OH (5.93%); United Kingdom (5.28%); Huntsville, AL (3.86%); Clearwater, FL (3.79%); Galena, KS (2.33%); Elkton, MD (2.19%); Kirwood, MO (2%); Middletown, CT (1.83%), and other various locations throughout the United States (7.19%), and is expected to be complete in February 2007.

    May 6/05: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Pakistan’s official request for 40 AGM-84L (air-launched) and 20 RGM-84L (surface-launched) Grade B Canister HARPOON Block II missiles; containers; missile modifications; training devices; spare and repair parts; technical support; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; technical data and publications; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $180 million, and Boeing will be the prime contractor.

    “Pakistan intends to use the purchase to upgrade and modernize its existing HARPOON missile capability. The Pakistani Navy currently has AGM-84 Block I air/surface/subsurface launch capability.”

    Nov 16/04: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Pakistan’s official request to buy 8 P-3C aircraft with T-56 turboprop engines, communications equipment, training devices, medical services, support and test equipment, engineering technical services, supply support, operation and maintenance training, documentation, spare/repair parts, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. The estimated cost is $970 million. The DSCA adds that:

    “The command-and-control capabilities of these aircraft will improve Pakistan’s ability to restrict the littoral movement of terrorists along Pakistan’s southern border and ensure Pakistan’s overall ability to maintain integrity of their borders. Pakistan intends to use the proposed purchase to develop a long needed fleet of maritime and border surveillance aircraft. The addition of these aircraft will provide Pakistan with search surveillance, and control capability in support of maritime interdiction operations and increase their ability to support the U.S. Operation Enduring Freedom Operations; anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities; and a control capability over land against transnational terrorists and narcotics smugglers. The modernization will enhance the capabilities of the Pakistani Navy and support its regional influence and meet its legitimate self-defense needs. Pakistan is capable of absorbing and maintaining these additional aircraft in its inventory.”

    The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Company of Greenville, SC.

    Additional Readings

    * Retired Indian Commodore RS Vasan – The impact of induction of the P3C Orion Aircraft on the Indian Navy’s Preparedness: An Assessment

    * DID – Ships Ahoy! The Harpoon Missile Family

    * Defense News (Jan 30/??) – Pakistan Navy To Boost Air Surveillance Capability
    “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

  • #2
    Hmmm. I wonder if they updated the range on the Harpoons.
    Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.

    Comment


    • #3
      Not yet, but that is in the work, especially now India wants 20 copies of AGM-84L HARPOON Block II

      The award of IDIQ is interesting, that means the deal will receive minimal political interference. (and they can stock up on spares)
      Last edited by xinhui; 05 Jan 10,, 22:50.
      “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Dreadnought View Post
        Hmmm. I wonder if they updated the range on the Harpoons.
        the Pakistan range-upgrade will be the same "kit" as the Australian.
        “the misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all” -- Joan Robinson

        Comment


        • #5
          That's funny, those Harpoon missiles. We don't use them any more but there's a large demand for them by other nations.
          "Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.

          Comment


          • #6
            The US has stopped using the Harpoons?
            sigpicAnd on the sixth day, God created the Field Artillery...

            Comment


            • #7
              Take two as well Delta - I thought they were pretty much standard fit out for the P-3? Unless they started using penguins?
              Ego Numquam

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by gunnut View Post
                That's funny, those Harpoon missiles. We don't use them any more but there's a large demand for them by other nations.
                *Still have them aboard the Frigates (FFG's) although they are described as now SSM's.
                Last edited by Dreadnought; 06 Jan 10,, 14:10.
                Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.

                Comment


                • #9
                  I didnt know the USN had stopped using Harpoons....what have they been replaced with? I coulda sworn I saw the quad tubes on the Tico that was in NYC this summer.
                  You know JJ, Him could do it....

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Rumrunner View Post
                    I didnt know the USN had stopped using Harpoons....what have they been replaced with? I coulda sworn I saw the quad tubes on the Tico that was in NYC this summer.
                    *You did, all of the OPH FFG's have them and so do the newer. All carrying the Mk 141 ceramic lined launchers. However, now days I would suppose some have gone to VLS with other ships but your brand new DDG's still carry them so pretty much in essence the Navy still uses them, even on the new ships.;)
                    Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Sorry no Harpoon on American FFG's anymore. In fact American Guided Missile Frigates no longer carry any guided missiles. They were launched via the single arm launcher that was removed. Harpoons are still aboard other USN ships and aircraft.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by surfgun View Post
                        Sorry no Harpoon on American FFG's anymore. In fact American Guided Missile Frigates no longer carry any guided missiles. They were launched via the single arm launcher that was removed. Harpoons are still aboard other USN ships and aircraft.
                        Hmm, interesting, I wonder why that is when even the newest DDG's are carrying them. They had to have been replaced with something along those lines I imagine.
                        Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          It is because the Navy no longer wants to maintain the launcher (for Harpoons alone) as the US no longer uses the SM1 Missile. All resources for the SM1 missile are being saved for our allies using the FFG7 class of ships such as the Australian's, Spain, etc. Some American FFG's now have 25mm Bushmaster in place of the single arm launcher, others have nothing in place of the launcher.
                          Last edited by surfgun; 06 Jan 10,, 22:50.

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                          • #14
                            I know the new DDGs don't even have the rack to put the quad tubes on. The CGs have the racks but sometimes don't have the tubes. I am uncertain if the Harpoons might be in the VLS.

                            I had completely forgotten about air launched Harpoons. Does the Navy still use those?
                            "Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Both Tico's and Burk's are listed as carrying the Harpoon. The MK41 VLS is listed for use of SM2, SM3, SM6 and Tomahawk. So I figure the Harpoons are in canister launchers. Air launched Harpoons can be launched via P-3 or P-8.

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