The Indian Navy has taken delivery of its fifth P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from Boeing, which would support the navy’s maritime patrol requirements.
Delivered as part of a deal signed in January 2009 for eight P-8I aircraft, the latest aircraft joins the navy’s already existing fleet of four P-8Is, which are currently undergoing operational review.
Indian Navy naval staff deputy chief vice admiral RK Pattanaik said: "The P-8I programme is progressing on schedule, and the aircraft are providing the capabilities to meet our maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements."
Powered by CFM International’s two CFM56-7 engines, the aircraft features a directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system and the electronic support measures (ESM) system, which safeguard the jet from approaching infrared-guided missiles.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataBased on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 commercial aircraft, the Indian navy version of the US navy’s P-8A Poseidon jet integrates Indian-built sub-systems that are customised to meet the country’s maritime patrol necessities.
See Also:
Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) India vice-president Dennis Swanson said: "This is another important milestone for the programme and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with India.
"We’ll deliver one more P-8I before the end of the year, followed by two in 2015."
Incorporating advanced sensor and display technologies, in addition to open system architecture, the aircraft supports missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), intelligence, maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Boeing P-8 international programme manager Mark Jordan said: "We appreciate that senior representatives of the Indian Navy were with us in Seattle to participate in delivery activities and watch the plane take off for Rajali.
"It’s a great accomplishment for the entire team, and we’re hard at work assembling and testing the next P-8I in line for delivery."
The aircraft has been built by a Boeing-led industry team including CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.
Image: Indian Navy’s fifth Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft taking off during its delivery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
