india-to-buy-six-p-8i-aircraft-from-us

India is set to significantly enhance its maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, as the Navy is set to procure six additional P-8I Neptune aircraft from the United States. The deal is estimated at $3.5 billion.

 

The proposal is expected to be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval by the next month.

 

Indian Navy already operates a fleet of these aircraft, which have played a critical role in monitoring the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly amid increasing Chinese naval activity.

 

The P-8I aircraft, a variant of the Boeing P-8 Poseidon tailored for India, is a long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance platform equipped with advanced sensors, radar systems, and weaponry designed to detect and neutralise submarines and surface threats.