MPA options pitch up at RIAT
As final preparations for the Royal International Air Tattoo are made, the aerospace industry’s heavy hitters are lining up with MPA and MSA alternatives to meet the expected UK requirement ahead of the SDSR later this year.
Confirmed as attending are the Boeing P-8, the P-1 (pictured, photo credit RIAT) from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), Textron AirLand’s Scorpion multi-role jet, and Airbus Military’s C-295. The UK has been without a functioning MPA since the cancellation of the Nimrod MR4 programme in 2010.
Boeing’s P8 Poseidon, derived from the commercial 737 airliner, has long been touted as a potential option
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.