The Government of Norway has requested a possible sale of up to five P-8A Patrol Aircraft, each includes: Commercial Engines, Tactical Open Mission Software (TOMS), Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IO) MX-20HD, AN/AAQ-2(V)1 Acoustic System, AN/APY-10 Radar, ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures. Also included are eleven (11) Multifunctional Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS); eight Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; eight System Processors for AN/AAQ-24(V)N; 42 AN/AAR- 54 Missile Warning Sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; 14 LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); and 2,000 AN/SSQ-125 Multi-Static Active Coherent (MAC) Source Sonobouys; spares; spare engine; support equipment; operational support systems; training; maintenance trainer/classrooms; publications; software; engineering and logistics technical assistance; Foreign Liaison Officer support; contractor engineering technical services; repair and return; transportation; aircraft ferry; and other associated training and support. The total estimated program cost is $1.75 billion.
"Norway has procured and operated U.S. produced P-3 Orion MPAs for over 40 years, providing critical capabilities to NATO and coalition maritime operations. Norway has maintained a close MPA acquisition and sustainment relationship with the U.S. Navy over this period. The proposed sale will allow Norway to recapitalize, modernize, and sustain its MPA capability for the next 30 years," the DSCA said.
The Norwegian MoD announced in late November its intention to replace an ageing fleet of six P-3 Orion and its three Dassault DA-20 ECM aircraft with Boeing's P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). These five MPA should be based at Evenes Air Station (Royal Norwegian Air Force) in Northern Norway, perfectly located to keep watch on the Norwegian Sea, Greenland Sea and Barents Sea (where Russian Navy submarine bases are located, in the Kola Peninsula).
Based on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A offers advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The U.S. Navy has deployed four P-8A patrol squadrons since operations began in 2013. The Royal Australian Air Force just took delivery of its first P-8A while the Indian Navy have already several P-8I aircraft in operation. The United Kingdom has ordered 9 planes in July this year.
The P-8A can operate at long range from its operating base without refuelling and has the endurance to carry out high and low-level airborne maritime and overland surveillance for extended periods. This cutting-edge aircraft will also be able to conduct wide-area search of open ocean to locate small boats and drop rescue life-rafts and equipment to vessels and people in distress.
