India to deploy P-8I maritime patrol aircraft during drills with Australia.

According to information published by the Australian MoD on April 12, 2022, India’s Navy will deploy a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to Darwin from 11-15 April to conduct coordinated exercises with a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
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P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (Picture source: Indian Navy)

This is the first time an Indian Navy P-8I aircraft has deployed to Australia outside of a routine military exercise and reflects the strength of the India-Australia defense and security partnership.

Acting Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Meredith, said this activity was a landmark opportunity for India and Australia to practice coordinated maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and build interoperability.

Our defense relationship with India is at a historic peak, with activities between us quadrupling since 2014. We are doing more together to enhance maritime information sharing and maritime domain awareness and this activity take our practical cooperation to the next level.

P-8I maritime patrol aircraft

The P-8I is the Indian variant of the P-8A featuring Data Link II communications from the Indian company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) allowing the P-8I to exchange tactical data between Indian Navy aircraft, ships, and shore establishments.

It also features an integrated BEL-developed IFF system. India has purchased AGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles and Mk 54 All-Up-Round Lightweight torpedoes for the P-8.

The aircraft is modified to include a bomb bay and pylons for weapons. It has two weapons stations on each wing and can carry 129 sonobuoys. The aircraft is also fitted with an in-flight refueling system.

The P-8 Poseidon is an American maritime patrol aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, based on a modified 737-800ERX civilian aircraft.