Australian P-8A acquisition gets underway

The US Navy has placed an advanced acquisition contract with Boeing for four P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, as part of a foreign military sale agreement with the government of Australia.

The Royal Australian Air Force has ordered eight P-8A aircraft from the US government as a replacement for its ageing AP-3C Orion fleet. 

Under this contract, Boeing will commence placing lead time orders in support of Australia’s first four P-8A aircraft.

Australia’s Minister for Defence, David Johnston, said: ‘Together with high altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, these aircraft will replace the Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orions that have served Australia so well for over four decades.’

The new aircraft will enhance Australia’s ability to monitor its maritime approaches, and will be deployed in a range of missions, including search and rescue, anti-submarine and maritime strike missions using torpedoes and harpoon missiles.

Johnston added: ‘These aircraft work closely with other existing and future defence assets, and the Australian Customs and Border Protection aviation fleet, to secure our vitally important ocean resources, including northern Australia’s offshore energy resources and to protect our borders.’ 

Delivery of the first aircraft is set for 2017 with all eight to be delivered by 2018.