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
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?]()
What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?
Changing roles for combat aircraft fleets, the rise of simulation and LVC technologies, and the increasing cost of flight hours could all be leading to a paradigm shift in military pilot training.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
