L-3 Mission Integration has entered a contract with Korean Air to upgrade eight Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion aircraft operated by the South Korean navy.

The contract will see the US company and flag carrier Korean Air, which operates a major MRO operation, upgrade the eight Lot 1 aircraft to match the navy's eight Lot 2 P-3Cs.

"The mission system that we're putting on these aircraft will be completely compatible and interoperable with South Korea's existing P-3 fleet and will add significant capability," says Brent Billingslea, senior director of surveillance systems at L-3 Mission Integration.

Under the deal, L-3 Mission Integration will design and develop the upgrades, which will be furnished to Korean Air for installation in South Korea.

Source: Flight International