Life goes on after UK MPA decision
The announcement on 23 November that the UK will be purchasing nine P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) dealt a terminal blow to any thought that a requirement would be followed by an open competition.
It is believed that following discussions with the US government, a contract award can be expected in spring 2016, with first P-8 deliveries to happen before the end of 2017; possibly in line with the launch of the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier.
At a briefing with Lockheed Martin on 24 November, officials expressed their disappointment that an open competition is not
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