The Australian Defence Materiel Organisation, BAE Systems Australia and Australian Aerospace will provide enhancements to the Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion aircraft.
The AP-3C Orions are deployed by the RAAF for national and international maritime patrol, reconnaissance and strike missions.
The upgrades for Orion include improved electro-optic / infra-red systems, tactical common data links and upgrades to ground-based support systems.
The upgraded system, derived from earlier interim designs to support operations in the Middle East Area, will enter service in 2011 and remain operational throughout the life of the aircraft.
The $31.1m project will be delivered through P3 Accord, an alliance between Australian Defence, BAE Systems Australia and Australian Aerospace.