News release
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.
Quotes
“Canada and Portugal share a strong economic partnership rooted in shared interests and strong people-to-people ties. This modernization initiative deepens our bilateral trade and defence relationship while advancing Canada’s commitment to closer cooperation with European Allies. By contributing Canadian expertise and innovation, we are strengthening transatlantic supply‑chain resiliency and reinforcing the economic cooperation that supports stability and prosperity across the Atlantic.”
– Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
“CCC is pleased to partner with GDMS-Canada on this vital modernization program for the Portuguese Air Force’s P-3C Orion fleet. Through this Government-to-Government contract, we combine Canada’s proven contracting expertise with GDMS-Canada’s advanced technological solutions to deliver upgrades that enhance NATO interoperability and reinforce Portugal’s maritime patrol capability. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening defence partnerships and supporting global security.”
– Bobby Kwon, President and Chief Executive Officer, CCC
“We are pleased to be extending our partnership with the Portuguese Air Force through modernization of their P-3C Orion aircraft, building on the work already underway on Portugal’s initial P-3C fleet. This new program reflects the trust placed in our technologically advanced, Canadian-made Anti-Submarine Warfare solutions, and our proven expertise in delivering complex maritime patrol mission systems. Together with CCC, we are proud to support Portugal in enhancing the capability of this critical fleet as it continues to safeguard national and NATO operations across the Atlantic for many years to come.”
– Joel Houde, Vice President and General Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada
Quick facts
- In 2024, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Portugal totalled $3.24 billion. Aircraft and parts, oilseeds and cereals were the top products Canada exported to Portugal in 2024.
- The P-3C Orion is a cornerstone of the Portuguese Air Force’s maritime patrol capability. It plays a vital role in Anti-Submarine Warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and search-and-rescue missions across the Atlantic.
- GDMS-Canada and CCC share a long history of collaboration, combining Canadian industrial expertise with G2G contracting solutions to successfully deliver complex defence and security projects for governments around the world.
- To date, CCC has worked with GDMS-Canada to deliver G2G contracts valued at over $450 million.