P-8 Poseidon: US Navy's Maritime Patrol Aircraft Featured at ILA 2024.

At the International Aerospace Exhibition and Air Show (ILA) 2024 in Berlin, the U.S. Navy has showcased its P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
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US Navy's Boeing P-8 Poseidon. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft developed for the United States Navy to replace the aging P-3 Orion. It is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, but it is also capable of search and rescue operations. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 737-800ERX, ensuring commonality with commercial airliners, which offers logistical and economic advantages in terms of maintenance and operation​​.

The P-8 Poseidon is equipped with a sophisticated suite of sensors and weapons, including an advanced radar system (APY-10), an acoustic sensor system with passive and multi-static sonobuoys, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and electronic support measures (ESM). Its weapons capabilities include torpedoes for engaging underwater targets and AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles​​.

The aircraft had its first flight in 2009, and by 2013, it achieved initial operational capability.

Globally, the P-8 is used by several countries' navies, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Norway, and New Zealand. Canada and Germany have recently joined this group, enhancing their maritime surveillance and defense capabilities.

In November 2023, Canada finalized a $5.9 billion deal to acquire 16 P-8A aircraft to replace its aging CP-140 Aurora fleet. The first delivery is expected in 2026, with full operational capability by 2033​. Similarly, Germany is set to receive eight P-8A aircraft, with the first delivery anticipated in 2025.