SEATTLE - Boeing delivered the sixth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on November 24, arriving at Naval Air Station Rajali to join five others being used by the Indian Navy. The P-8I is part of a contract of eight awarded in 2009. The final two deliveries are scheduled for 2015.
"The P-8I’s arrival in India is another key milestone for the program and marks our final delivery of the year," said Dennis Swanson, vice president, Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. "The Indian Navy is currently conducting missions with the first five aircraft, and this newest P-8I will begin flight trials in the coming months."
Based on the company’s 737 airliner, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing builds for the U.S. 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. The P-8I features open systems architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts, and support equipment.