Parrikar inducts maritime patrol aircraft P8i into armed forces

Aircraft to enable Indian Navy to undertake extensive surveillance and swift action in its areas of interests

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today dedicated long-range maritime patrol P8i aircraft to the nation. He said the patrol aircraft will enable Indian Navy to undertake extensive surveillance and swift action in the areas of India's interests.

Parrikar was visiting INS Rajali in Arakonam around 70 km from Chennai. He also boarded P8i to fly in to INS Rajali, a premier naval air station from Port Blair this morning.

According to PIB release, Parrikar was briefed on various sensors and other sophisticated equipments and their capabilities.

The release quoting him said, "The aircraft will provide necessary reach and flexibility to undertake extensive surveillance as also to respond swiftly and effectively to contingencies in our areas of interest to the Indian Navy."

Even in the short phase of trials and testing, the P8i aircraft had achieved a number of operational milestones which includes participation in the search effort for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 370, the first successful firing of air launched Harpoon Block II missile in the world, torpedo firing and active participation in major naval exercises.

The P8i aircraft is a variant of P8A Poseidon aircraft from Boeing as a replacement for the US Navy's ageing P-3 fleet. The P8i aircraft is equipped for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and littoral operations.

Back in 2009, the Indian Navy became the first international customer for the aircraft signing $2 billion worth contract to acquire eight aircrafts and all are fully integrated into its operations.

The last of the eight aircraft was accepted by India last month and all the planes have undergone thorough testing and trials, including successful firing of the first air launched Harpoon Block II missile in the world. It will also provide enhanced maritime surface and sub-surface surveillance in the entire Indian Ocean Region.