South Korea ordered the P-8A submarine hunters in September 2018, with Boeing contracted to complete the production of six aircraft by 2023.  

The first three units have now been delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) following the training of its personnel in the US. 

To commemorate their arrival, a synchronized flight was conducted with the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, the current mainstay of the Navy’s maritime patrol operations.听

The P-8 Poseidon: a significant upgrade for South Korea’s submarine hunting capabilities 

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with a naval search radar for search and tracking capability. It can also be fitted, both internally and externally, with an array of armaments dedicated to submarine and anti-ship warfare, such as torpedoes, mines, depth charges, and anti-ship missiles. 

The P-8A boasts a top speed of approximately 490 knots, surpassing the P-3’s maximum speed of around 405 knots. Additionally, the P-8A offers an extended operational radius, capable of covering greater distances without refueling, enhancing its effectiveness in extended maritime patrol missions, including submarine hunting. 

鈥淭he introduction of Poseidon has made it possible to carry out enhanced maritime air operations, including improving anti-submarine capabilities against North Korean submarines, as well as rapid response capabilities in the event of future maritime operations and expansion of surveillance capabilities in our waters,鈥� the ROKN commented, as quoted by .听

In July 2022, the ROKN created a new Naval Air Command located at Pohang Air Base and focused on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. The new command absorbed the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft of the ROKN精东影业 6th Air Wing and will now operate the Poseidon fleet. 

Three additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft are expected to arrive on June 30, 2024. Pilot training and operational deployment, including maritime live-fire training, will commence, with full operational deployment anticipated by mid-2025. 

New Zealand to deploy P-8A aircraft in Japan to monitor N. Korean marine ops

• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-10

The news was announced by Japan精东影业 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which stated that the P-8A Poseidon aircraft will be stationed at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, from mid-April to early May 2024 to monitor 鈥渋llicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers鈥� by North Korean-flagged vessels.

It will be the first overseas deployment of the RNZAF P-8A for a monitoring and surveillance mission, replacing the retired P-3K2 Orion.

鈥淭his is the first time one of our Poseidons has been deployed operationally overseas, the first time we have operated in Asia, which will be the furthest deployment away from New Zealand, and the first time we have used this aircraft in support of New Zealand精东影业 contribution to uphold UN Security Council sanctions enforcement,鈥� Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott said in a statement.

According to the (NZDF), this will be the sixth time since 2018 that it has deployed a maritime patrol aircraft and specialist personnel to detect and deter evasions of United Nations Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against North Korea.

鈥淣orth Korea continues to launch ballistic missiles in violation of Security Council resolutions. The sanctions are intended to persuade the country to denuclearize and abandon its ballistic missile weapons capabilities,鈥� NZDF said. 

New Zealand精东影业 latest mission to monitor North Korean sanctions-evasion activities was in 2021, and the Democratic People精东影业 Republic of Korea (DPRK) then issued a , describing New Zealand精东影业 actions as 鈥渆xerting bad influence on the military and political situation around the Korean peninsula.鈥�

鈥淭he New Zealand authorities should wake up to the reality, lend an ear to the public voices and put an end to the foolish act of inviting its own disaster by following its master blindly,鈥� the statement continued.听

North Korea fires suspected intermediate-range missile

• Defense

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2024-01-14

According to the , Navy spokesman Mohammad Issa said they are having to salvage the aircraft with particular care due to the plane resting on a coral reef. 聽

The spokesperson also confirmed December 2, 2023, that the salvage effort is being carried out in a way that the P-8A Poseidon can be used again in the future.听

The mission to rescue the aircraft has so far cost the US Navy $200,000 since the plane crashed on November 20, 2023.  

The maritime patrol aircraft crashed into Kaneohe Bay in Oahu after it overshot the runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. 

There were nine people onboard, who all managed to swim to shore. No one was reported to be injured or harmed. 

On November 29, 2023, the Navy released underwater footage of the aircraft sitting with its wheels resting on the reef.听

The Navy hopes to use inflatable cylinders to float the plane up off the coral and then move it away.  

The P-8A Poseidon is manufactured by Boeing and is a multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft used to conduct long-range maritime and littoral operations, search and rescue missions.  

It has intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare capabilities.听

FAA looks to extend cockpit voice-recording to 25 hours for all future aircraft

• Airlines
• Aviation Safety

byIan Molyneaux

2023-12-01

The incident occurred on November 20, 2023, at about 13:57 local time when the aircraft, assigned to the US Navy Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4), was landing after a routine training.

There were nine people onboard, who all managed to swim to shore. No one was reported to be injured or harmed.

Aircraft expert Peter Forman told that the runway in Kaneohe is shorter than average, and added that bad weather and winds may also have played a part.

鈥淭he pilot probably didn鈥檛 put the plane down exactly where he wanted to on the runway,鈥� Forman said. 鈥淚t精东影业 probably a combination of all those factors put together.鈥�

Several photos and video footage of the P-8A Poseidon submerged in the bay have been circulating on social media outlets. The fuselage of the aircraft appears intact, which could be an indication of a low-speed crash.

The P-8A Poseidon is manufactured by Boeing, and is a multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft used to conduct long-range maritime and littoral operations, search and rescue missions. It has intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare capabilities.

The Marine Corps Base in Hawaii was built in 1919 and has been actively used since 1952. It is home to over 25,000 Marines, sailors, family members and civilian employees.

Boeing 737 freighter overshoots runway, dips in water at Montpellier Airport

• Civil Aviation

by精东影业 Team

2022-09-24

No 42 Squadron’s history can be traced back to World War I and has been specialized in naval operations since the end of World War II. The squadron last held that role flying the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR.2 maritime patrol aircraft from 1992 until its deactivation in April 2011.

Now operating as an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), No 42 Squadron will focus on the advanced training of aircrews for the Boeing Poseidon MRA.1 maritime patrol aircraft and, starting in 2024, the Boeing Wedgetail AEW.1 early warning and control aircraft. These aircraft will be stationed at RAF Lossiemouth north-east Scotland.

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with a naval search radar for search and tracking capability. It can also be fitted, both internally and externally, with an array of armaments dedicated to submarine and anti-ship warfare, such as torpedoes, mines, depth charges, and anti-ship missiles.

Merging the Poseidon MRA.1 and Wedgetail AEW.1 within a single squadron streamlines costs and enhances operational effectiveness, with both aircraft being based on the airframe of the civilian Boeing 737 airliner.

The squadron’s mission has evolved significantly since its deactivation in 2011. While core tasks like tracking and neutralizing enemy submarines, surface vessel surveillance, and high-seas Search and Rescue (SAR) persist, new roles include addressing maritime pollution, monitoring coastal climate change impacts, and overseeing fishing zones, the RAF explains.

In October 2020, RAF Lossiemouth became the center for the UK maritime patrol operations after undergoing renovations to prepare for the base精东影业 new mission.

RAF P-8 Poseidon submarine hunters arrive in definitive base

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2020-10-16

Bombardier, in partnership with Canadian General Dynamics, has been urging Ottawa to consider a call for tenders for the contract. In May 2023, the two manufacturers offered a solution for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program based on the Global 6500 aircraft, with modifications for torpedo transport and deployment. 

Bombardier private jet proposed as Canada精东影业 next Multi-Mission Aircraft

• Aircraft
• Business Aviation
• Defense

byIan Molyneaux

2023-05-22

Yet a month later, the United States State Department issued a favorable opinion to the possible Foreign Military Sale of up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, meaning that a request was made by the federal government of Canada.  

Canada cleared to acquire Boeing P-8 submarine hunters

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-06-29

On October 17, 2023, Simon Page, the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Maritime and Defense Procurement Branch, revealed in a public hearing that federal officials favored Boeing following a recommendation from the US private consulting firm Avascent.听聽

Avascent concluded that Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon was the sole suitable replacement for CP-140s. Bombardier and General Dynamics were reportedly not consulted during the analysis. 

In a joint letter, Bombardier’s CEO Eric Martel and Joel Houde from General Dynamics accused the federal government of ignoring the offer from the local industry and pressing for the solution offered by Boeing instead.

鈥淚t精东影业 inexplicable that bureaucrats can make a recommendation without asking the industry any questions,鈥� Martel told local news . 鈥淚 asked the politicians: 鈥楬as the decision been made?鈥� They tell me no, but clearly I hear the senior officials selling the P-8.鈥� 

The Trudeau government must now decide between approving the pending offer valued at up to $5.9 billion from the US State Department or launching an open call for tenders.  

The MQ-4C Triton, including the relevant ground and support systems, is due to be delivered to Australia in 2024.

A report from the Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) said that the approval came just days after the aircraft reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the United States Navy (USN) and commenced a renewed deployment to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

鈥淭he upgrades to the fleet of Poseidon aircraft strengthens our ability to secure and protect Australia精东影业 maritime interests,鈥� Australian Defence industry minister Pat Conroy said in a , adding that the purchase of the additional Triton will enhance operations from Australia精东影业 northern bases.

The Triton will be stationed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Tindal, Northern Territory, and operated by Air Force’s newly-reformed No. 9 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

The government has also announced that its fleet of 14 P-8A Poseidons will be upgraded, delivering enhancements to anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike and intelligence collection capabilities.

鈥淭he upgrades to the fleet of Poseidon aircraft strengthens our ability to secure and protect Australia精东影业 maritime interests,鈥� Conroy said.

The first Poseidons are expected to enter the upgrade program in 2026, which the final aircraft should complete in 2030.听 The estimated combined cost of the upgrades and acquisition is more than AU 1.5 billion ($967 million).

Australia to acquire two more Boeing P-8A Poseidons

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2020-12-30

According to the Ministry, on August 23, 2023, a Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft was detected by airspace control systems approaching the border of Russia.听

A MiG-29 fighter jet from the Northern Fleet was scrambled to identify the aircraft.听聽

According to the Defense Ministry, the Norwegian P-8A Poseidon subsequently made a U-turn away from Russian airspace without infringing on the border.  

鈥淭he Russian fighter jet made the flight in strict compliance with international rules on the use of airspace over international waters without crossing air routes or coming dangerously close to an aircraft of a foreign State,鈥� the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.  

On August 14, 2023, two Danish F-16s intercepted two Russian Tupolev Tu-95 鈥楤ear鈥� bombers flying towards the Netherlands airspace. 

Several countries are actively monitoring the airspace of member states in case of any immediate aerial threats from Russia.听聽

Spanish Eurofighters are currently based in 脛mari, Estonia safeguarding the area, while Italian Eurofighters are in 艩iauliai, Lithuania.听

Wagner Group jet crashes in Russia, founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on passenger list

• Aviation Safety
• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-08-23

In a notice published on June 27, 2023, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) estimated the value of the aircraft and associated equipment and services to be around $5.9 billion. The Canadian government had expected the Multi-Mission Aircraft program to cost over $3,77 billion.  

鈥淭his proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress, and a contributor to military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world,鈥� the DSCA said. 

The Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program aims to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet of 14 CP-140 Aurora aircraft and to enhance its anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.  

In May 2022, Bombardier offered its own candidate for the CMMA program. Associated with General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, the Canadian manufacturer proposed to adapt its Global 6500 business aircraft to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Bombardier described its offer as 鈥渢he right-sized jet for the CMMA with next-generation engines, long range, high endurance, and coupled with proven reliability and better fuel efficiency.鈥� 

Bombardier private jet proposed as Canada精东影业 next Multi-Mission Aircraft

• Aircraft
• Business Aviation
• Defense

byIan Molyneaux

2023-05-22

What makes business jets such great military aircraft?

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2021-12-02

The announced at 5:18am local time on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, that a Canadian aircraft searching for the submarine, named Titan, collected data indicating noise below the ocean精东影业 surface.听

However, the US Coast Guard said remotely operated vehicles that were relocated to 鈥渆xplore the origins of the noise鈥� have so far 鈥測ielded negative results鈥�.听

鈥淎dditionally, the data from the P-3 aircraft has been shared with our U.S. Navy experts for further analysis which will be considered in future search plans,鈥� the First Coast Guard District said.听

It is understood the search aircraft is a Lockheed CP-140 Aurora which is based on the Lockheed P-3C Orion.

In other possible signs of life, the , reported on internal e-mail updates sent by the Department of Homeland Security精东影业 National Operations Center, that the publication had obtained.听

In the emails it said the Canadian 鈥淩CC Halifax launched a P8, Poseidon鈥� which also has underwater detection capabilities.听

鈥淭he P8 deployed sonobuoys, which reported a contact in a position close to the distress position. The P8 heard banging sounds in the area every 30 minutes. Four hours later additional sonar was deployed, and banging was still heard,鈥� the email said.  

Rolling Stone also stated that an email sent by the president of the travel and research group, the Explorers Society, had written possible 鈥渢apping sounds鈥� may mean the submarine crew are 鈥渁live and signaling鈥�. 

In a press conference on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Captain Jamie Frederick from the US Coast Guard told reporters that the five men in the submarine may only have 40 hours of air left on the vessel.  

The Titan submarine began its descent to visit the Titanic wreckage on Sunday, June 18, 2023, but lost contact with the mother ship one hour and 45 minutes into its eight-hour trip.听

It is understood that OceanGate Expeditions鈥� founder and CEO Stockton Rush, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, explorer Hamish Harding, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son are onboard Titan.  

The group set off from St John精东影业, Newfoundland and were due to return eight-days later.听

Belgium joins FCAS European fighter program as observer

• Defense
• Paris Air Show

byClement Charpentreau

2023-06-20