United Kingdom receives new Poseidon MRA Mk1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

According to information published by the Royal Air Force on September 21, 2021, RAF Lossiemouth welcomed their newest Poseidon MRA Mk1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, ZP806. The submarine- hunter, named "Guernsey’s Reply," is the sixth Poseidon aircraft to arrive at the Moray base and will operate as part of the re-established 201 Squadron.
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Poseidon MRA Mk1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (Picture source: Royal Air Force)

The aircraft's name honors the close bond between 201, the island of Guernsey and Jurat Herbert Machon OBE who named his Mk XVI Spitfire “Guernsey’s Reply” during World War II.

The latest addition to the RAF Poseidon fleet will now play a crucial part in the Squadron’s role as the ‘Schoolhouse’ and their mission to train the next generation of Poseidon Aircrew and Instructors. It will also form part of the front line fleet which will total nine aircraft by the end of the year.

The Poseidon is already providing cutting-edge maritime patrol capabilities and working side-by-side with the Royal Navy to secure the seas around the UK and abroad.

The aircraft can also be armed with a weapons system that includes torpedoes for engaging sub-surface targets.

Nine Poseidon MRA Mk. 1 aircraft have been ordered for the RAF. The UK Government has invested £470m overall in RAF Lossiemouth, which will future-proof Quick Reaction Alert and Maritime Patrol operations for many years to come.

Boeing’s Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions.

The Poseidon’s comprehensive mission system features an APY-10 radar with modes for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, including passive and multi-static sonobuoys, electro-optical/IR turret, and electronic support measures (ESM). This equipment delivers comprehensive search and tracking capability, while the aircraft’s weapons system includes torpedoes for engaging sub-surface targets.