Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing builds for the US Navy.
The P-8I incorporates not only India-unique design features, but also Indian-built sub-systems that are tailored to meet the country’s maritime patrol requirements and integration with Naval and Indian Air Force (IAF) assets. The P-8I features open systems architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts, and support equipment. The aircraft is capable of locating submarines deep down and hitting them with torpedos or Harpoon missiles. The aircraft is also capable of Electronic Warfare (EW).
In order to efficiently design and build the P-8I and the P-8A, the Boeing-led team is using a first-in-industry, in-line production process that draws on the company’s Next-Generation 737 production system. P-8I aircraft are built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.
The Indian Navy will be taking four more P-8Is under the options clause.
Boeing has been active in India for 70 years with its commercial airplanes providing the mainstay of India’s civil aviation sector. More recently its military aircraft have started to play an important role in the modernisation and mission-readiness of India’s defence forces. Boeing is focused on delivering value to its Indian customers with its advanced technologies and performance driven aircraft underscored by life-cycle support services. Boeing is also committed to creating sustainable value in the Indian aerospace sector - developing local suppliers, pursuing business partnerships and shaping research and technical collaborations with Indian companies and institutions.
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