Long lead contracts signed for South Korean and New Zealand P-8 Poseidon MPA
A US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft "dropping" Harpoon anti-ship missiles during exercises. Photo c/o US Navy. |
US aviation giant Boeing was awarded with long lead production contract by the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the production of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for South Korea and New Zealand under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Also, additional aircraft orders for the US Navy was included in the deal.
The contract was awarded to Boeing last 28 February 2019, with New Zealand scheduled to receive 4 aircraft, and South Korea with 6 aircraft.
Both countries are looking at replacing their ageing Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) planning to have the P-3K2 replaced by the mid 2020s as part of their Defence Capability Plan.
Meanwhile the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) will gradually replace their P-3 fleet and more Poseidons are expected to be ordered in the following years.
[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
Long lead contracts signed for South Korean and New Zealand P-8 Poseidon MPA
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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March 02, 2019
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