Boeing has been awarded a $1.53bn low-rate initial production I contract for the acquisition of six P-8A multimission maritime aircraft (MMA) to the US Navy.

The contract is a modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive firm contract and includes associated spares, support equipment and tools, logistics support, trainers and courseware.

The P-8A MMA is designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare, shipping interdiction, engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role and to operate in conjunction with the broad area maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle.

Work will be performed at the company’s facilities in the US and is expected to be complete in January 2013.

The US Naval Air System Command is the contracting activity.