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.’