India is close to signing a $2.42 billion agreement with the United States for six more advanced P-8I submarine-hunting aircraft, bringing the cumulative amount of lucrative Indian defense contracts won by Washington to about $25 billion in the last 15 years.

The Indian Navy has already received nine of the twelve P-8I aircraft, which are equipped with radars and are fitted with Harpoon Block-II missiles, MK-54 lightweight torpedoes, rockets, and depth charges and were purchased for $3.2 billion. The remaining three are expected to arrive by the end of the year.

About Boeing P-8I

One of Boeing’s most advanced aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon uses a first-in-industry in-line production system that leverages the best of Boeing Commercial and Boeing Defense for development and production.

An aircraft designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; the P-8 delivers highest levels of quality, reliability, and operability. A true multi-mission aircraft, it is defined by a unique combination of state of the art sensors, proven weapons systems, and a globally recognized platform.

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The P-8I is not just responsible for coastal patrolling but is also used for other critical missions like search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, and supporting operations of other arms of the military.

Operational Readiness

A ~60,000 sq.ft. Training Support & Data Handling (TSDH) Centre is being setup at INS Rajali, with a secondary center at INS Kochi as part of an agreement between India and Boeing.

The customized training solution for the Indian Navy will offer an integrated learning approach, combining classroom education with simulation. Boeing will also provide all associated courseware to support training activities at the center.

Does the Aircraft have a horn ?

The indigenous, ground-based training system will allow the Indian Navy crew to increase proficiency in a shorter time, while reducing the on-aircraft training time resulting in increased aircraft availability for mission tasking.