TheLockheed P-3 Orion, a turboprop ASW aircraft, has been in service with the United States Navy (USN) since 1962.[4] In the 1980s, the USN began studies for a P-3 replacement, the range and endurance of which were reduced due to increasing weight and airframe fatigue life limitations. The specification required a new aircraft to have reduced operating and support costs. In 1989, Lockheed was awarded a fixed-price contract to develop theP-7, but this was canceled the following year.[5]
In 2000, a second competition for a replacement began.Lockheed Martin submitted theOrion 21, an updated new-build version of the P-3.[6] Boeing's proposal was based on its737-800 airliner.[7]BAE Systems offered a new-build version of theNimrod MRA4, a British jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft. BAE withdrew from the competition in October 2002, recognizing that without a production partner based in the United States, the bid was politically unrealistic.[8] On 14 May 2004, Boeing was selected as the winner of theMultimission Maritime Aircraft program.[9]
The P-8 is to replace the P-3.[14] Initially, it was equipped with legacy systems with later upgrades to incorporate newer technology. TheGovernment Accountability Office credited the incremental approach with keeping the project on schedule and on budget. TheNaval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) deleted the requirement for the P-8A to be equipped withmagnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment as a weight reduction measure, improving endurance. A hydrocarbon sensor detects fuel vapors from diesel-powered submarines and ships.[15]
The P-8's first flight was on 25 April 2009.[3] The second and third P-8s had flown and were in flight testing in early August 2010.[16] On 11 August 2010,low-rate production of the P-8 was approved.[17][18] A P-8 releasedsonobuoys for the first time on 15 October 2010, dropping six in three separate low-altitude passes.[19] In 2011, the ice detection system was found to be defective due to the use ofcounterfeit components; allegedly these parts were poorly refurbished and sold to subcontractor BAE Systems as new by a Chinese supplier.[20]
On 4 March 2012, the first production P-8A was delivered to the USN, flying toNaval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, for training with the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS),Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30).[2] On 24 September 2012, Boeing announced a $1.9 billion (~$2.49 billion in 2023) order for 11 aircraft.[21] On 10 June 2013, aU.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (IG) report recommended delaying full-rate production over a lack of key data to assess if the P-8 met operational requirements; additional tests were also needed to guarantee a 25-year lifespan.[22] Boeing executives dismissed the report, saying that the test program was on track.[23] In 2013, full-rate production was delayed until the P-8 could demonstrate it can survive its 25-year lifespan without structural fatigue, overcome deficiencies, track surface ships, and perform primary missions.[24]
On 24 June 2013, during weapons integration testing, the P-8 achieved a milestone by firing a liveAGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile and scored a direct hit on a low-cost modular target.[25] On 1 July 2013, an initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) report found that the P-8A was "operationally effective, operationally suitable, and ready for fleet introduction." Six test and ninelow-rate initial production aircraft had been delivered at that point.[26] On 31 July 2013, Boeing received a $2.04 billion contract to build 13 P-8As in the fourth low-rate initial production lot, for a fleet of 37 aircraft by the end of 2016, and long-lead parts for 16 P-8As of the first full-rate production lot.[27]
In January 2014, Naval Air Systems Command proceeded with full-rate production of the P-8A. Increment 1 systems include persistentanti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and an integrated sensor suite; in 2016, Increment 2 upgrades will add multi-static active coherent acoustics, an automated identification system, and high-altitude anti-submarine weapons.[28] Increment 3 in 2020 shall enable "net-enabled anti-surface warfare".[29]
In July 2014, Fred Smith, business development director for the P-8, noted that the program had: "saved $2.1 billion on 2004 estimates of the cost of production... the aircraft is now selling for $150 million, down from the forecasted $216 million".[30] The halving of USN orders from 16 aircraft per year down to eight in 2015 due to the expiration of theBipartisan Budget Act of 2013 was expected to be partially offset by commercial 737 sales and P-8 export sales.[31] The DoD wanted to follow a program template for the P-8 similar to theJoint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, with international cooperation from prospective users.[32]
In 2010, Boeing proposed to replace theUnited States Air Force's (USAF)E-8 Joint STARS fleet with a modified P-8 at the same cost Northrop Grumman proposed for re-engining and upgrading the E-8s.[33] The proposed P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance (AGS) would integrate anactive electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and have ground moving target indicator (GMTI) andsynthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities. A key feature was a pod-mounted radar on the fuselage's lower centerline, positioned so the engine nacelles do not obstruct its line of sight. It reuses the P-8A's RaytheonAN/APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar. Two aft ventral fins increase stability.[33][34]
The P-8 is a 737-800ERX, roughly similar to the 737-800 commercial passenger aircraft and the USN's 737-700-basedC-40 Clipper transport aircraft, but with several modifications to make it suitable for its military service role. Many of the changes reflect the need for the aircraft to operate at lower altitudes and be capable of more aggressive maneuvering than a commercial aircraft. However, the changes were kept in line with the existing assembly process. Boeing 737fuselage builderSpirit AeroSystems added structural strength to the airframe, while adding a shortbomb bay for torpedoes and other stores behind the wing.[37]
The aircraft is assembled at theBoeing Renton Factory with the stronger wings from the 737-900.[38] The aircraft usesraked wingtips similar to those fitted to theBoeing 767-400ER, instead of theblended winglets available on 737NG variants.[39] To combat icing on the raked wingtips, horizontal stabilizers and vertical stabilizers, the aircraft is outfitted withelectro-mechanical expulsion deicing systems.[37] In the cockpit, changes were made to the flight control and alerting systems, allowing for an increasedbank angle, a more responsiveautothrottle, and the elimination ofaudible warnings during low-altitude operations.[37] In order to power additional onboard electronics, the P-8 has a 180 kVA electric generator on eachCFM International CFM56 engine, replacing the 90 kVA generator of civilian 737s; this required the redesigning of the nacelles and their wing mountings.[37] The Navy says that compared to the P-3, the P-8 has a smoother flight experience, subjecting crews to less turbulence and fumes, allowing them to concentrate better on missions.[40]
Crew at work stations inside a P-8
After the aircraft roll off the assembly line, five operator stations (twonaval flight officers plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/naval aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. Other than one large window on each side of the forward cabin for two observers, none of the other crew stations have windows.[37] A short bomb bay for torpedoes and other stores opens behind the wing. The P-8 is to be equipped with the High-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) Air Launch Accessory (ALA), turning aMark 54 torpedo into aglide bomb for deploying from up to 30,000 ft (9,100 m).[41]
The P-8 features the Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar.[42] Unlike the preceding P-3, most versions of the P-8 lack amagnetic anomaly detector (MAD), but the P-8I is equipped with a MAD at India's request.[43] Various sensor data are combined viadata fusion software to track targets.[44] Following the cancellation of Lockheed Martin'sAerial Common Sensor project, Boeing proposed a signals intelligence variant of the P-8 for the USN's requirement.[45] During the P-8A Increment 2 upgrade in 2016, theLittoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS) will be replaced by theAdvanced Airborne Sensor radar.[46]
In U.S. service, the P-8A is complemented by theMQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which provides continuous surveillance. In January 2015, BAE Systems was awarded a contract for the USN's High Altitude ASW (HAASW) Unmanned Targeting Air System (UTAS) program to develop a sub-hunting UAV equipped with a MAD for launching from the P-8.[41]
Naval aircrewman at one of the two large observer's windows, the only crew stations with windows.
The P-8 cannot use the Navy's typicalprobe and drogue in-flight refueling method, instead using aflying boom receptacle on the upper-forward fuselage, making it, like the USN'sE-6 Mercury aircraft, reliant on US Air Force (USAF)KC-135 Stratotanker,KC-10 Extender andKC-46 Pegasus aircraft for in-flight refueling. In April 2017, the USAF459th Air Refueling Wing worked with the Naval Air Systems Command to certify operationally the P-8 for in-flight refueling.[47] For extended endurance, the P-8 is equipped with six auxiliary fuel tanks.[48]
In February 2012, the P-8 made its mission debut during "Bold Alligator" 2012, an annual littoral warfare exercise.[49] In April 2012, it took part inExercise Joint Warrior, flying out ofRAF Lossiemouth.[50] DuringRIMPAC 2012 in the Hawaiian area, two P-8As participated in 24 scenarios as part of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) while forward deployed toMarine Corps Base Hawaii.[51] On 29 November 2013, its inaugural deployment began when six aircraft and 12 air crews of squadronVP-16 departed its home station of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, forKadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.[52] This deployment was a pre-planned regional re-balancing action, but occurred shortly after China's establishment of theEast China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone, heightening tensions.[53]
During early exercises and the Japanese deployment, the P-8 reportedly suffered radar, sensor integration, and data transfer problems, leading to more testing. In 2012–3, the US government'sDirector, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOTE) evaluated the P-8A Increment 1, and reported that it was effective for small-area and cued ASW search, localization and attack missions, but lacked the P-3C's broad-area ASW acoustic search capability; the Mk 54 torpedoes were of limited use against evasive targets. The P-8A was also effective at ASuW search, detection and classification in all-weather at short to medium ranges for all surface vessels and at longer ranges for larger vessels, yet was not effective for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission due to various issues including no high-resolution SAR capability. It did have better range, speed, and reliability than older aircraft.[54][55] DOTE concluded that it was not deployment ready.[56] Pentagon acquisition undersecretaryFrank Kendall said of the report that, although its findings are factual, it ignored future capability upgrades for ASW and surveillance.[57]
A second squadron,VP-5, completed its transition to the P-8 in August 2013.[52] During mid-2014, a pair of P-8s were dispatched toPerth, Australia for two months for an international search for the missingMalaysia Airlines Flight 370.[58] On 2 October 2015, USN P-8s stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, alongside U.S. Coast GuardHC-144A Ocean Sentry,HC-130H and USAF ReserveHC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, searched the Eastern Caribbean Sea for the missingSS El Faro cargo ship that sank on 1 October in the Category 3Hurricane Joaquin near Crooked Island in theBahamas.[59] On 20 February 2018, a P-8 ofPatrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) rescued threefishermen whose vessel had been adrift in the SouthPacific Ocean for eight days, deploying a search and rescue (SAR) kit containing supplies and communications equipment, the first time that a P-8 deployed a SAR kit in a real operation.[60]
On 19 August 2014, a ChineseShenyang J-11 fighter came within 30 feet (9.1 m) of a USN P-8A of VP-5 about 135 miles (217 km) east ofHainan Island while patrolling the South China Sea. The J-11 flew past the P-8's nose and performed abarrel roll at close proximity.[61] A Pentagon spokesperson said the J-11's unit had made close intercepts earlier that year.[62] The U.S. sent a diplomatic note to China about the behavior of the Chinese fighter group's commander.[63] China stated that the claims were "totally groundless", and that the root cause was U.S. surveillance of China.[64] In November 2016, a RussianSu-30 fighter intercepted a P-8 over theBlack Sea, coming within 5 feet (1.5 m) of it, forcing the P-8 through itsjet wash, causing "a 15-degree roll and violent turbulence".[65]
USN P-8s routinely rotate through bases of allies.[66] In September 2014, the Malaysian government offered the use of bases inEast Malaysia for P-8s, but no flights have yet been approved.[67] On 7 December 2015, P-8s were deployed to Singapore as part of a Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and Singapore for "fighting terrorism and piracy."[68] China criticized the Singapore deployment as "regional militarization by the U.S."[69] The third detachment of two P-8s based inPaya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, participated in naval military drills with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in mid 2016.[70]
On 20 November 2023, a USN P-8A assigned toVP-4[71]overshot the runway while landing in the rain atMCAS Kaneohe Bay and ended up in the water. None of the nine crew on board were injured.[72][73] The USN hopes to repair the aircraft and return it to operational status.[74] The aircraft was floated and pulled from the sea on 2 December 2023.[75]
A USN P-8A flew through theTaiwan Strait on 17 April 2024, asserting navigational rights amid tensions with China over Taiwan's sovereignty. This followed the first talks between US and Chinese defense chiefs since 2022, aimed at easing regional tensions.[76]
In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customized export variant of the P-8A, for theIndian Navy.[77] The P-8I has a version of theRaytheonAPY-10 multi-mission surface search radar that meets export requirements.[78] It also features two components not fitted on the P-8A, a Telephonics APS-143 OceanEye aft radar and amagnetic anomaly detector (MAD).[79] On 4 January 2009, India'sMinistry of Defence signed a US$2.1 billion (~$2.9 billion in 2023) agreement with Boeing for eight P-8Is to replace the Indian Navy's agingTupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprops.[80] It was Boeing's first military sale to India and the P-8's first international customer.[81]
In October 2010, India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of four additional P-8Is.[82] Contract signature followed in July 2016 with deliveries expected to start from 2020.[83] In 2011, India planned to order twelve more P-8Is at a later date; in 2019, this was cut to eight to ten due to a limited budget.[84][85]
In July 2012, Boeing began P-8I flight testing.[91] On 19 December 2012, the first P-8I was handed over at Boeing's facility in Seattle.[92] It was inducted into the Indian Navy on 15 May 2013.[93] The type is based atINSRajali, inTamil Nadu.[94]
In November 2019, the Indian government approved the procurement of six more P-8Is.[97] In 2021, reports revealed thatIndian Ministry of Defence has sent Letter of Request (LoR) to theUS Government for procurement of additional 6 P-8Is. On 27 April, the LoR was forwarded toDefense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and the proposal featured on a notice by the agency under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.[98][99][100] In April 2020,Defense Security Cooperation Agency cleared approved the sale of 10AGM-84L Harpoon missiles along with containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment for the P-8I fleet to the Indian Navy at a value of $93 million. The possible sale of 16 aircraft-launchedMark 54 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds and 3 Mk 54 Exercise Torpedoes for its additionalP-8I fleet at a cost of $63 million was also cleared. These sales were for the additional four P-8Is.[101][102]
Of the 4 additional P-8Is ordered in 2016 the first was delivered to Indian naval air stationINS Hansa,DabolimGoa on 19 November 2020,[103] followed by another on 13 July 2021;[104] the remaining two were delivered on 30 December 2021.[105]
In August 2024, it was announced that the Indian Navy's P-8I fleet will be maintained by Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), a subsidiary ofAir India, which signed a deal with Boeing for receiving training for its personnel. AIESL has also overhauled the landing gear of the entire aircraft fleet.[106][107][108]
On 20 July 2007, theAustralian Minister for Defence announced that the P-8A was the preferred aircraft to replace theRoyal Australian Air Force fleet of LockheedAP-3C Orions in conjunction with a then yet-to-be-selected unmanned aerial vehicle. The last AP-3C was scheduled to be retired in 2018, after nearly 30 years of service.[109][110] In March 2009, Australia's Chief of Air Force stated that the RAAF planned to introduce the P-8A in 2016.[111]
In October 2012, Australia formalized its participation, committing A$73.9m (US$81.1m) in an agreement with the USN.[112] In July 2013,Air Marshal Geoff Brown, head of the RAAF, said Australia was considering buying more P-8As and fewer MQ-4C Triton UAVs than earlier planned.[113] On 21 February 2014, Prime MinisterTony Abbott announced the intention to procure eight P-8As plus options for four more; entry into service is planned for 2021.[114]
In July 2014, negotiations commenced between Boeing and the US Department of Defense to integrate the AGM-84 Harpoon Block 1G anti-ship missile onto the P-8A on Australia's behalf.[115] In August 2014, the USN concluded an advanced acquisition contract on the first four of up to 12 P-8As to be bought by Australia, with delivery expected from 2017.[116] In January 2016, Australia ordered a further four P-8As.[117] The 2016 Defence White Paper stated that eight P-8As would be in service in the early 2020s and that 15 P-8As are planned for by the late 2020s.[118] Including support facilities, the first group of eight aircraft's total cost is estimated at $3.6 billion (AU$4 billion).[119]
The RAAF accepted its first P-8A on 27 September 2016;[120] it arrived in Australia on 14 November.[121] The RAAF had received 12 P-8As by 13 December 2019.[122] The Australian Government approved ordering two additional aircraft on 30 December 2020. The option to acquire a 15th aircraft may not be taken up.[123]
According to the Australian Defence Minister,Richard Marles, in May 2022 a ChineseJ-16 is alleged to have flown alongside a RAAF P-8A, deployingflares andchaff. One piece of chaff is alleged to have been ingested into the P-8A's engine.[124]
In August 2012, it was reported that Boeing saw theUnited Kingdom as a market for the P-8,[125] following the cancellation of theNimrod MRA4 in 2010.[126] On 23 November 2015, the UK announced its intention to order nine P-8s in theStrategic Defence and Security Review 2015,[127] which would be based atRAF Lossiemouth, Scotland to protect the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers, as well as perform search-and-rescue and overland reconnaissance missions.[128]
On 25 March 2016, the U.S. State Department approved a proposedForeign Military Sale to the UK for up to nine P-8s and associated support.[129] During an April 2016 tour of US anti-submarine capabilities, the UK defense procurement minister stated that theRoyal Air Force would initially operate the P-8 with U.S. weapons, with the option to transition to British weapons later.[130] It was not initially clear whether the UK would have access to future ground-surveillance capabilities developed for the P-8.[131][132][needs update] On 11 July 2016, Boeing announced the signing of a $3.87 billion (£3 billion) contract for nine P-8s and support infrastructure, spread across three production lots over a ten-year period, with deliveries commencing in 2019.[133][134]
The RAF allocated the aircraft theservice name Poseidon MRA Mk1.[135] They are operated byNo. 120 Squadron andNo. 201 Squadron.[136][137] The first Poseidon MRA Mk1 (ZP801) made its initial flight on 13 July 2019.[138] The UK took delivery of the first aircraft, namedPride of Moray, at Boeing's Seattle facility on 29 October. It arrived atKinloss Barracks in February 2020 before relocating to RAF Lossiemouth in October 2020,[139][140] along withZP802 which was delivered on 13 March 2020.[141] The RAF declared the P-8 had reachedinitial operating capability (IOC) on 1 April 2020.[142] The final ordered aircraft arrived at RAF Lossiemouth in January 2022.[143]
In March 2014, Norwegian newspaperDagbladet reported that the Royal Norwegian Air Force is considering leasing aircraft from Boeing asNo. 333 Squadron RNoAF's six P-3 Orions were becoming increasingly difficult to keep operational.[144] In June 2016, Norwegian newspaperVerdens Gang reported that the Norwegian government would buy four new surveillance aircraft in its long-term defense plan; the P-8 was seen as the main option.[145] In December 2016, the U.S. State Department approved the sale with congressional approval pending.[146][needs update]
On 29 March 2017, Norway signed a contract for five P-8As, to be delivered between 2022 and 2023.[147] On 13 July 2021, Boeing rolled out first P-8As Poseidon aircraft from the paint shop for Norway. The first aircraft was delivered on 18 November 2021. It is to be operated by the 133 Air Wing, 333 Squadron atEvenes Air Station.[148] The first P-8 is to be named Viking and the successive four aircraft are to be named for Norse gods: Vingtor, Ulabrand, Hugin and Munin.[149]
Boeing publicly identified theRoyal New Zealand Air Force as a potential customer in 2008 as a replacement for its P-3 Orions.[150] In April 2017, the U.S. State Department approved the possible foreign military sale of up to four P-8As with equipment and support, valued at US$1.46 billion (~$1.79 billion in 2023).[151][152] In July 2018, the New Zealand government announced the purchase of four P-8As, to begin operations in 2023.[153]
Four P-8As were ordered in March 2019.[154] The RNZAF is planning to operate the type for at least 30 years.[155] In September 2020, the inaugural Royal New Zealand Air Force crew for the P-8A graduated training at Jacksonville, Florida.[156] This crew is to then qualify as instructors to train the first RNZAF crews back in New Zealand. The first P-8A was delivered in December 2022 with three more aircraft delivered as of July 2023.[157][158]
In 2013, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) commenced a₩1 trillion (equivalent to ₩1.05 trillion orUS$929.13 million in 2017)[159] procurement program to acquire up to 20 ASW aircraft to replace theRepublic of Korea Navy's fleet of 16 P-3Cs; possible candidates included theC-295 MPA, P-8, Saab Swordfish and theSC-130J Sea Hercules.[160] DAPA considered procuring 12 to 20 ex-USNLockheed S-3 Vikings.[161] In 2017, the ROKN canceled plans to buy refurbished S-3s.[162][163]
On 26 June 2018, it was announced that DAPA had selected the P-8 and would acquire six aircraft through the US Foreign Military Sales program.[164] On 13 September 2018, the US state department stated it supported the sale of 6 P-8s and notified Congress.[165] South Korea ordered six P-8As in March 2019 with aircraft delivered in 2024.[166]
The US Department of State approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of five P-8As with associated equipment to Germany for an estimated cost of $1.77 billion. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified US Congress of the possible sale on 12 March 2021.[167][168] On 23 June 2021, Germany approved the purchase of five P-8As worth $1.31 billion (~$1.45 billion in 2023).[169] On 28 September 2021, Germany finalized the purchase and is to retire its existing P-3C Orions when the P-8s are delivered.[170] In November 2023, a simulator and an additional three P-8s were approved.[171] The first P-8A will enter service with the German Navy in Spring 2025.[172]
Boeing identified that theRoyal Canadian Air Force's fleet ofCP-140 Auroras (Canadian variant of the P-3 Orion) would begin to reach the end of their service life by 2025. In 2015, Boeing offered theChallenger MSA, a smaller and cheaper aircraft based on the Bombardier Challenger 650 integrating many of the P-8's sensors and equipment, to complement but not replace the CP-140s. Boeing also offered the P-8A with modifications specific to Canadian operations to replace the Aurora.[173][174]
In 2019, Canada announced the start of a project to replace its CP-140s, valued at greater thanCA$5 billion and named "Canadian Multimission Aircraft Project". The Canadian Armed Forces requirements call for a crewed, long-range platform, capable of providingC4, ISR, and ASW with the ability to engage/control and to fully integrate with other ISR and ASW assets.[175] In 2022, Boeing officially announced it would offer the P-8A in the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project[176] with CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada and Raytheon Canada.[177] In March 2023, Canada announced the submission of a Letter of Request via the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program on the acquisition of up to 16 P-8As.[178] On 27 June 2023, the State Department approved a possible $5.9 billion sale of up to 16 P-8As and associated equipment, pending approval by Congress.[179]
On 30 November 2023, Defence MinisterBill Blair announced that Canada would purchase up to 16 P-8As forCA$10.4 billion (US$7.7 billion).[180] The cost breakdown includesCA$8 billion for the aircraft and related equipment while anotherCA$2.4 billion is for simulators, infrastructure and weapons.[181] Delivery of the type is expected between 2026 and 2027, with full operational capability anticipated by 2033.[180] The fleet is to be based in Nova Scotia at14 Wing Greenwood, and in British Columbia at19 Wing Comox.[182]
On 23 September 2022, Boeing's Latin America director, Tim Flood, presented the capabilities of the P-8 to theBrazilian Air Force commander, GeneralCarlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior. According to Baptista Júnior, "the discussions have a great importance to prospect the future of FAB's maritime patrol aviation", as part of a plan to replace itsP-3AMs currently in service.[183][184]
Italy indicated interest in purchasing P-8s, with fleet support provided byAlitalia, in 2004.[186] However, in December 2008, Italy announced the purchase of fourATR 72 aircraft to replace its agingAtlantic maritime patrol fleet,[187] possibly as a temporary solution because Italy remained interested in the P-8.[188]
In April 2019, Boeing was reported to be in exploratory talks with variousNATO allies to offer the P-8 as a NATO-shared interim solution to provide European allies with its capabilities until domestic capabilities could be secured by 2035.[189]
In 2016, Turkey indicated that it planned to acquire a new MMA aircraft to supplement existing assets, the P-8A being the main candidate based on the required performance.[192]
Production variant developed for the United States Navy.
P-8I Neptune
Export variant for the Indian Navy[80] with aCAE Inc AN/ASQ-508A Magnetic Anomaly Detector and aGriffon Corporation Telephonics APS-143C(V)3 multi-mode aft radar added,[195][196] and a version of the Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar that meets export requirements.[78]
^"Program Profile Boeing P-8".Aviation Week & Space Technology. Retrieved9 December 2023.In November, 2023, a P-8A assigned to VP-4 taking-off from MCAS Kaneohe Bay in Oahu, Hawaii, overshot the runway and entered the water. The aircraft sustained visible damage to the radome but the aircraft was deemed to be structurally intact and could possibly be returned to service.
^Watson, Sean (6 October 2016)."First Poseidon off the rank".Air Force. Department of Defence. p. 3.Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved13 December 2019.
^abFrank, Dorothee (12 February 2024)."Wechsel von der P-3C Orion zur P-8A Poseidon" [Change from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon].cpm Defence Network (in German). Retrieved12 February 2024.
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