New Zealand receives first P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has received its first P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, developed by Boeing.

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New Zealand has ordered four aircraft. The first arrived in the country a few days ago, and three more are in advanced production and will be delivered next year. The P-8A Poseidon will replace six P-3K2 Orion aircraft and will be stationed at the Royal Air Force's Ohakea military base.

New Zealand has invested NZ$2.346 billion ($1.5 billion) in the program and has become one of Boeing's eight overseas customers for patrol anti-submarine aircraft. The contract with the U.S. Navy was signed four years ago.

Boeing Defense Australia will support the P-8A Poseidon fleet. Preparations for receiving the planes involve upgrading critical infrastructure at the military base. New Zealand has allocated NZ$206 million ($131.4 million) for this purpose.

The P-8A Poseidon made its maiden flight in 2009 and entered service four years later. The aircraft is about 40 meters long and has a wingspan of more than 37 meters. A pair of CFM International CFM56-7B powerplants is installed on board. The aircraft has a top speed of 907 km/h and a cruising speed of 815 km/h. Combat radius is 3700 km.

Source: Defense Brief