"There is controversy within the Navy concerning the future role of the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Today, naval aircraft are tracking and monitoring Third Worlds merchant ships, especially those suspected of smuggling illegal arms and drugs, in many areas of the world. The Navy now has the multimission maritime aircraft (MMA) program planned to replace its P-3C and HP-3E Orion aircraft. Navy planning provides for an initial MMA operational capability with 22 aircraft between fiscal year (FY) 2010 and FY 2012. Two being acquired and modified for maritime intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance, but they will not be delivered until about FY 2005, with tests, demonstrations, and fleet battle exercises planned through FY 2009, when an operational capability could be possible - if the evaluation is successful, funding is available, etc."