First Indian P-8I MPA arrives in-country
The first P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) delivered by Boeing for the Indian Navy has arrived in India. The aircraft is the first of eight P-8I MPAs to be delivered by Boeing under a contract signed in 2009.
The Indian Navy will deploy the P-8I MPA fleet in a long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare role as a replacement for its ageing Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprop fleet. The aircraft is a customised export version of the P-8A Poseidon – based on the Boeing next generation 737 - in development for the US Navy.
The P-8I incorporates design features unique to the Indian requirement, and Indian-built subsystems that are tailored to the country’s maritime patrol needs. The aircraft will be armed with the AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missile and the MK 54 lightweight torpedo.
Chris Chadwick, president, Boeing Military Aircraft, said: ‘Boeing is proud to deliver this advanced aircraft to meet the Indian Navy’s unique maritime patrol requirements. The P-8I team, which includes our customer and Indian suppliers, has done a fantastic job working together, and we’re on track to deliver the next two P-8I aircraft later this year.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles]()
Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles
The missiles are being purchased through a government-to-government sale with Norway and will be operated from Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD]()
Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD
The landing platform dock, believed to be the largest naval vessel that China has exported, will see the Chinese-built vessel embrace Western technology.
-
![Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending]()
Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending
Singapore’s army and navy look set to benefit from increases in the country’s defence budget, with submarines and IFVs on the shopping list.
-
![How will NATO’s Baltic Sentry work to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea?]()
How will NATO’s Baltic Sentry work to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea?
The rise in incidents of damage to subsea cabling in the Baltic Seahas driven NATO to commit to bolstering the action of local navies. But how effective can it be?
-
![GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns]()
GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) believes the US industrial base will struggle to meet US Navy (USN) requirements. This follows recent warnings from USN heads of a decline in resources and that the industrial base is under strain.
