Norway’s First P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Moves into Assembly

The first P-8A Poseidon fuselage for Norway arrived today at Boeing facilities in Renton, Washington, from Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, for assembly.

A derivative of the Boeing 737 Next-Generation commercial aircraft, the P-8 is first assembled at Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ 737 production line, where the fuselage receives additional wiring and systems needed to support military components, equipment and operation. The aircraft is then delivered to Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit for the installation of military systems, testing and delivery to military customers.

Norway is expected to receive its first P-8 later this year. In total, five P-8s will eventually replace Norway’s current fleet of six P-3 Orions and three DA-20 Jet Falcons and will provide advanced capabilities to maintain situational awareness in neighboring waters on and below the surface of the ocean.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force was given the green light to purchase five P-8As in a 2016 contract which included additional engines, Tactical Open Mission Software, AN/APY-10 radars, missile warning sensors and additional equipment. The deal was estimated to cost $1.75 billion. This contract was part of a $2.46 billion agreement by which Boeing will build 19 of the aircraft, with 10 assigned to the U.S. Navy, four to Britain and five to Norway.