Boeing has announced on 9 January that it has completed the delivery of eight P-8A Poseidons to the US Navy for 2014, on time and on cost.
The eighth airplane for 2014 and 21st overall was delivered to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville on 8 January 2015. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A provides the Navy anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The ‘Mad Foxes’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 are conducting operational missions during the second overseas deployment of a P-8A Poseidon squadron. On the P-8A’s maiden deployment, the VP-16 ‘War Eagles’ completed 600 sorties and 3,500 flight hours.
The P-8A will replace the navy's P-3 Orion fleet. Boeing is currently under contract to deliver 53 P-8As.