MPA options pitch up at RIAT
As final preparations for the Royal International Air Tattoo are made, the aerospace industry’s heavy hitters are lining up with MPA and MSA alternatives to meet the expected UK requirement ahead of the SDSR later this year.
Confirmed as attending are the Boeing P-8, the P-1 (pictured, photo credit RIAT) from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), Textron AirLand’s Scorpion multi-role jet, and Airbus Military’s C-295. The UK has been without a functioning MPA since the cancellation of the Nimrod MR4 programme in 2010.
Boeing’s P8 Poseidon, derived from the commercial 737 airliner, has long been touted as a potential option
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.