India Operationalizes Full Fleet of 8 Boeing P-8i Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

Indian Defense Minister dedicated Boeing long range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I to the Indian Navy.

TheP-8i aircraft was inducted in a ceremony held at INS Rajali, Arakkonam naval air station by Manohar Parrikar today.

“The aircraft will provide the Indian Navy the necessary reach and flexibility to undertake extensive surveillance as also to respond swiftly and effectively to contingencies in our areas of interest,” Parrikar said.

Shri Parrikar, in particular complimented the Navy and its air arm for expeditiously inducting and operationalizing this force multiplier, which would enable the nation's Armed Forces to dominate the future battle space.

Parrikar praised the fact that, even in the short phase of trials and testing, the P-8I aircraft had achieved a number of operational milestones which includes participation in the search effort for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 370, the first successful firing of air launched Harpoon Block II missile in the world, torpedo firing and active participation in major naval exercises. 

The P-8I aircraft is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft that Boeing developed as a replacement for the US Navy's ageing P-3 fleet.

Indian Navy became the first international customer for the P-8 aircraft with the conclusion of the nearly US $ 2.1 billion contract on 01 Jan 2009 for a total of eight aircraft. The first aircraft arrived in India on the 15 May 2013 and as of date; all eight aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Navy and are fully integrated into its operations. 

The P-8I aircraft is equipped for long range anti-submarine warfare, anti -surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and littoral operations. Its communication and sensor suite includes indigenous equipment developed by defence PSUs and private manufacturers. With its high speed and high endurance of about 10 hours, the aircraft is capable of thrusting a punitive response and maintaining a watch over India's immediate and extended areas of interest. 

The aircraft are based at INS Rajali, and are operated by Indian Naval Air Squadron 312A.