Pakistan to Receive First Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft Under “Sea Sultan” Project by 2026

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Pakistan Navy is set to receive its first long-range maritime patrol aircraft, converted from an Embraer Lineage 1000 jet, by Leonardo and Paramount Aerospace Systems in 2026.

In 2021, Pakistan awarded a contract to Leonardo and Paramount to modify three Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft into long-range maritime patrol platforms as part of  its long-term initiative to replace its aging fleet of P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

Paramount Aerospace Systems has been tasked with the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work for the project, named “Project Sea Sultan.”

The three aircraft will be equipped with advanced systems, including Electronic Support Measures/Electronic Intelligence (ESM/ELINT) sensors, electro-optical systems, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, satellite communications, chaff/flare dispensers, as well as torpedoes, sonobuoys, and depth charges.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf described the induction of the Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft as a “remarkable addition” to the navy’s maritime patrol capabilities.

“The aircraft is currently undergoing modifications in South Africa and is expected to be delivered to Pakistan in 2026. Subsequent deliveries are planned as part of a phased approach to modernizing our naval aviation,” he stated.

“With its state-of-the-art technology, the Sea Sultan will complement existing platforms such as the older P-3C Orion and ATR 72 aircraft, while offering superior performance in terms of range, endurance, anti-submarine warfare, and surface vessel interdiction capabilities,” he added.

The Pakistan Navy has also expressed intentions to eventually replace its entire fleet of P-3C Orions with 10 converted commercial jets.

In September 2021, the navy inducted its first Embraer Lineage 1000 during a ceremony at Pakistan Naval Station Mehran in Karachi.

This aircraft, however, remains unmodified and is currently being used for crew training purposes.

In addition to Paramount Aerospace Systems, other South African companies are contributing to the Sea Sultan project, including aerospace engineering firm Aerosud, which has been contracted to supply two sets of interior components for the aircraft.

Following an 18-month design phase, Aerosud began manufacturing the mission-specific interior components in May 2023.

These components include specialized elements such as galleys, observer tables, partition dividers, and equipment stowage units, with completion targeted for mid-2025.

“This contract not only highlights Aerosud’s technical capabilities but also underscores its strategic approach to collaboration and project execution.

By partnering with Paramount Aerospace Systems, Aerosud continues to expand its portfolio, solidifying its position as a trusted supplier in the aerospace industry,” the company stated. – DSA