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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
