Boeing P-8I Selected as Indian Navy's Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft


ST. LOUIS, Jan. 06, 2009

The Government of India has selected The Boeing Company to provide eight P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian navy.
The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.
India is the first international customer for the P-8.
Boeing will deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of the contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.
"The men and women of The Boeing Company are pleased that India has selected the P-8I," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems(IDS).
"This aircraft will provide outstanding capabilities tailored to India's unique maritime-patrol requirements."
The P-8I is a true multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft(MPA) that features greater flexibility and a broader range of capabilities than MPAs currently in service. The P-8I can operate effectively over land or water while performing anti-submarine warfare missions; search and rescue; maritime interdiction; and long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.
The P-8I provides India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country's requirements now and well into the future.
The aircraft features an open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.
"Throughout the negotiations, both sides worked diligently to give India the most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world today," said Vivek Lall, Boeing IDS vice president and India country head. "The result of these efforts will bring the Indian navy advanced technology that is unmatched in maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and the reach and capability it needs to defend India's vast coastline and maritime waters."

That's the big question Mario. Presumably they think it can. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I also think the Lockheed proposal was better for the task at hand.

Yeah I've also seen Auroras or Orions do 14 hour sorties. Doubt this can do that either, despite having 3 extra fuel tanks.

Italy usually follows in the footsteps of the US, so i wouldnt be surprised if in a few years the P-8 is seen flying for the Italian Navy as well. When is this aircraft supposed to do it's maiden flight, according to Wikipedia is 2009 but is Boeing ready for that this year?