US Navy orders more P-8As
The US Navy has awarded a contract to Boeing under which the company will build additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the US Navy to enhance their maritime patrol capabilities, Boeing announced on 29 January.
The $2.5 billion order includes 16 aircraft for the US Navy and four for the RAAF. The current order is Lot 7 of the P-8A Program of Record.
With the current contract, the company is now building 78 Poseidons for the US Navy, of which 33 have been delivered; and eight for the Australian fleet. Delivery of the Lot 7 aircraft will start in late 2017. The first Australian P-8A will be delivered to the RAAF in late 2016.
James Dodd, vice president and programme manager, P-8 programs, Boeing, said: ‘We continue to hear feedback from our navy customer about the incredible capabilities of the P-8A. The deployed squadrons tell us it’s exceeding expectations – we’re looking forward to providing even more capability to the fleet and to Australia.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
