Boeing has announced the delivery of the ninth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to the Indian Navy.
This delivery is expected to boost the long-range maritime reconnaissance anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Since its induction in 2013, the aircraft has completed over 25,000 flight hours so far.
In 2016, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a contract to Boeing to deliver four additional P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy is reported to be the largest international customer of the aircraft, which is designed to provide maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
It also aids with disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
Boeing Defence India MD Surendra Ahuja said: “Our focus has been, and will be, on delivering the world’s best maritime patrol aircraft to the Indian Navy.
“The P-8I, with its exceptional maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, versatility and operational readiness, has proven to be an important asset to the Indian Navy.
“We remain committed to supporting the modernisation and mission readiness of India’s defence forces.”
In 2017, Boeing secured a contract to continue providing support to the Indian Navy’s fleet of P-8I for another three years.
Boeing will offer field and logistics services, in addition to providing engineering, support and planning assistance as part of the deal.
The company is currently completing the construction of the Training Support & Data Handling Centre at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, it is also building a secondary centre at the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology, Kochi, under a training and support package contract signed last year.
