New Zealand to receive its first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

According to a press release published by Boeing on July 22, 2022, the fitm debuted the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft for New Zealand in its Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) livery. New Zealand is one of eight nations to have acquired the P-8 as their new multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.
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The first Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft for the New Zealand (Picture source: Boeing)

The New Zealand Government purchased four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft that will eventually replace the current fleet of six aging P-3K2 Orion aircraft. The P-8As will provide advanced capabilities to maintain situational awareness in neighboring waters on and below the surface of the ocean.

First flight is scheduled in the coming weeks followed by mission systems installation. The aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence later this year.

About P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is an American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX. It was developed for the United States Navy (USN).

The P-8’s comprehensive mission system features an APY-10 radar with modes for high-resolution mapping, and an acoustic sensor system, including passive and multi-static sonobuoys, electro-optical/IR turret, and electronic support measures (ESM).

It is armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons, can drop and monitor sonobuoys, and can operate in conjunction with other assets, including the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).