Construction begins of New Zealand’s first P-8A maritime aircraft
The P-8 Poseidon multi-mission MPA is based on the Boeing 737-800 airliner. (Photo: US Navy)
Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems lay the keel of New Zealand’s first P-8A aircraft.
Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems announced they have laid the keel beam for New Zealand’s first P-8A, marking a milestone as production gears up.
An aircraft keel runs the length of the fuselage belly, due to the innovative design of the P-8, its keel includes unique aspects such as the integration of an internal weapons bay.
The panel and other fuselage components will be completed on Spirit’s existing 737 production line before being shipped to Boeing’s Washington facility for final assembly.
Finally, Boeing will install mission systems, complete testing and deliver the aircraft to New Zealand later this year.
Four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will replace New Zealand’s current fleet of six ageing P-3K2 Orion aircraft in 2022-23, as announced in February of this year.
New Zealand will join the ranks as one of the eight global customers of the platform, including the US Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Indian Navy, the UK RAF and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, New Zealand ordered four P-8As in July 2018 after the government approved a US FMS worth $1.6 billion. These aircraft are due to be delivered in 2023.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
![France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production]()
France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production
Expanded fighter jet and missile production, next-generation engine cooperation and helicopter assembly deals have all been struck between the two countries, signalling a strengthening bilateral partnership between France and India.
-
![L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities]()
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
