Canada selects Boeing P-8A Poseidon
On 30 November 2023, Canada has finalised a government-to-government agreement with the US government for the acquisition of up to sixteen Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Fourteen Poseidons will be procured, with options for up to an additional two. First delivery is expected in 2026, and with an average of one aircraft delivered per month, all of the aircraft could be delivered as early as fall 2027. Full Operational Capability (FOC) is planned for 2033.
The Government of Canada has been seeking to replace the CP-140 Aurora fleet of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with a Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA). The CP-140 Aurora fleet, based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion, was originally procured in 1980, and is scheduled to be retired around 2030. Fourteen Auroras are currently in use with 407 sqn at Comox (B.C.) and 14 Wing at Greenwood (N.S.). These have seen extensive upgrades over their service life. However, procuring a new fleet is required to ensure Canada has the equipment to protect sovereignty along its long (arctic) coastline.
In February 2022, Scramble Magazine first wrote on the Request for Information (RFI) that was released to obtain information from the industry. Last March, following engagements with industry and closest allies, the Canadian government has determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the CMMA operational requirements, namely anti-submarine warfare and C4ISR.
Despite a last minute effort to pitch a Canadian-built competitor by Bombardier, based on the Global 6500 business jet, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon has now been chosen as Canada’s next maritime patrol aircraft.
The estimated investment for this project is CAD 10,4 billion; it includes up to USD 5,9 billion for the P-8A, associated equipment, training devices and sustainment set-up. The balance will cover additional investments in simulators, infrastructure and weapons.
Credit image: Canada Defence