Navy to induct long-range maritime patrol aircraft

The Indian Navy is all set to get a major fillip with the induction of  P8i long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

The P8i aircraft, which will be dedicated to the nation on Friday, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft deployed by Boeing as a replacement for the US Navy’s ageing P-3 fleet, a defence source said on Thursday evening.

On 1 January 2009, the Indian Navy become the first international customer for the P-8 aircraft with the conclusion of US $2 billion contract for a total of eight aircraft.

The first aircraft arrived in India on 15, May 2013 and the last of the eight aircraft was accepted on 12, October this year.
 
All the aircraft have undergone the process of thorough testing and exhaustive trials during the past 30 months, including successful firing of the first air launched Harpoon Block II missile in the world.

The P8i aircraft is equipped for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and littoral operations.

The induction of all eight aircraft has reinforced the long-range maritime reconnaissance and Air ASW capability of the Indian Navy and will provide enhanced maritime surface and sub-surface surveillance in the entire Indian Ocean Region.

Its communication and sensor suite includes indigenous equipment developed by defence PSUs and private manufacturers.