US State Department approves sale of up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft to Canada for up to $5.9bn

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Boeing P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft to Canada. The deal must now be approved by the US Congress.

Here's What We Know

Earlier this year, Canada requested approval to purchase up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft. They are to replace the 14 Lockheed CP-140 Aurora that are currently in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The potential deal is worth up to $5.9 billion. In addition to (up to) 26 aircraft, the agreement calls for the sale of 26 tactical radio systems, 38 integrated global positioning systems and 25 airborne infrared countermeasures systems.

The potential sale of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and associated equipment supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to strengthen Canada's military capabilities as a NATO ally. The statement also said the deal does not diminish US defence capabilities.

Source: DSCA