More P-8 options, OPV construction for Australia
The Australian Defence White Paper has called for an additional tranche of three P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), bringing the potential total number of platforms to be procured to 15.
A total of eight P-8 Poseidons have been ordered for the RAAF, with another four aircraft on option. The first of the four options are now being considered for approval by the Australian government while it is expected the first delivery aircraft will occur before the end of 2016.
The white paper also states that the P-8 fleet will be fully in service by the late 2020s.
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