The P-8A Poseidon plays an important role in Australia’s national security – providing maritime patrol and response services. Designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, it is capable of broad-area maritime and coastal operations. It is also regularly deployed for humanitarian and search and rescue missions.
A derivative of the Boeing 737NG, the P-8A Poseidon is equipped for the future battlespace with maritime weapons, a modern open mission system architecture, and commercial-like support for affordability. Operated by the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) No 92 Wing, and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, the aircraft has been modified to include a bomb bay and pylons for weapons with two weapons stations on each wing. It can also carry 126 sonobuoys which can be dropped from the aircraft to detect submarines.
The RAAF’s fleet currently consists of 12 aircraft. In December 2020, the Commonwealth announced the acquisition of an additional two aircraft through its existing Cooperative Program with the United States Navy.
Under the P-8A Through Life Support and Deeper Maintenance contracts, Boeing Defence Australia is providing local sustainment support for the P-8A weapon system, as well as major maintenance, repair, and overhaul work and spiral upgrades.
For more information, visit the Boeing P-8 product page.