Indian Navy Seeks to Expand P-8I Fleet, Citing Urgent Need for Six More Surveillance Aircraft Amid Growing Chinese Presence in IOR

Indian Navy Seeks to Expand P-8I Fleet, Citing Urgent Need for Six More Surveillance Aircraft Amid Growing Chinese Presence in IOR


The Indian Navy is pushing for the acquisition of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to bolster its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This renewed effort comes amidst growing concerns over the increasing presence of the Chinese navy in the region and a renewed push from the United States for greater defence cooperation.

India currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, deployed on both its eastern and western seaboards. These aircraft, based on the Boeing 737-800 platform, are equipped with cutting-edge technology for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. They play a crucial role in monitoring the strategically vital IOR, especially in light of the expanding Chinese naval activities.

The push for additional P-8I aircraft is driven by the Indian Navy's assessment that at least 18 aircraft are needed to effectively patrol the vast IOR and address the rising maritime threats. Expanding the fleet would not only enhance surveillance capabilities but also provide much-needed operational flexibility and redundancy.

While the deal for these additional aircraft was previously stalled due to budgetary constraints and cost concerns within the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), the evolving geopolitical landscape has led to a reassessment of priorities. The strategic importance of these aircraft in countering China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, a view strongly advocated by the United States, has added further impetus to the acquisition.

The high cost of acquiring and maintaining these sophisticated aircraft was a major obstacle in previous negotiations with Boeing. However, the MoD is now actively reviewing several past defence deals, including the P-8I procurement, with a renewed focus on bolstering India's defence capabilities in the face of regional security challenges.

The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its pursuit of these additional surveillance aircraft, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining maritime domain awareness. The P-8I's ability to detect, track, and potentially engage submarines, along with its comprehensive surveillance capabilities, makes it an indispensable asset for safeguarding India's maritime interests in the IOR.
 
The government should give all the required aircraft carriers, fighter's & pi-8 platforms that the Navy needs.
The next hostilities will be on the high seas, and as we need to give the armed forces whatever,whenever & wherever the need arises to defend our country as a strong & well trained we'll equipped armed forces always makes the adversary think twice before starting a misadventure.
 
We could use more P-8s across the globe. I hope other countries besides India place more orders. It is said that "no" submarine can hide from the P-8 Poseidon.
 
So what? We wanted more of these anyways. What pressure are they talking about?

This time we should try to negotiate upgraded weapons package which includes AGM-158C LRASM.
 
Does anybody know the procurement status of Shinmaywa US2 amphibious aircraft for IN and ICG? Is it still under consideration?
 
Trump is a dealmaker. Expedited 100% Tot for F414 instead of 80% plus expedited delivery of F404 plus a testbed from USAF in return for 6 P8I plus 15 CH47 will be a great deal
 
So what? We wanted more of these anyways. What pressure are they talking about?

This time we should try to negotiate upgraded weapons package which includes AGM-158C LRASM.
Navy wanted them but MOD/GOI was reluctant to spend money, but with pressure Hopefully MOD gives green light.
 
We needed the P-8Is regardless. Get another 8 or so, and with the C-295 MPA and MQ-9 and other UAVs, this should be good enough.
 
Does anybody know the procurement status of Shinmaywa US2 amphibious aircraft for IN and ICG? Is it still under consideration?
Last I checked, it had been put on hold due to the ridiculously high costs involved.
 
Trump is a dealmaker. Expedited 100% Tot for F414 instead of 80% plus expedited delivery of F404 plus a testbed from USAF in return for 6 P8I plus 15 CH47 will be a great deal
100% ToT for the F414 plus a testbed plus expedited F404 deliveries for 6 P-8Is and 15 CH-47s? Ha! Trump is a businessman. Give him something that benefits him as well. What you are suggesting is heavily skewed in India's favour.
 
Navy wanted them but MOD/GOI was reluctant to spend money, but with pressure Hopefully MOD gives green light.
Yeah MOD was pushing the cheaper but less capable C-295 Naval variant to Navy. Coast guard can use the C-295 but Navy should stick to single type aircraft - P8I.
 
Tata has tie up with Airbus for C295. See which tech apart from jet engine are out of our reach. Ask Boeing to transfer those tech along with full MRO tech. Order upgraded 8-10 P8I enhanced and 10-12 C-17's.
 
This is good kind of pressure that needs to be put on India to get it's house in order.
 
Just Imagine how capable American sensors are that they used P8I a maritime aircraft in high altitude area in ladakh to keep an eye on the Chinese. This is something it was never designed to do but its a really good plane.
 
So what? We wanted more of these anyways. What pressure are they talking about?

This time we should try to negotiate upgraded weapons package which includes AGM-158C LRASM.
AGM-158C + AN/APS-154

The AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) is so sensitive that it can track moving submerged Submarines by the faint wakes they produce on the sea-surface.

Most of the Indians in this forum don't realise just how much inferior the Indian P-8I is compared to the US P-8I.

It's a Vanilla-version of the true US P-8I.
 
India should first US to deliver GE F404 engines before any further defense item is discussed!!! Anyway India can agree to buy but delay everything so that 4 term is over in the meanwhile!!!
 
AGM-158C + AN/APS-154

The AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) is so sensitive that it can track moving submerged Submarines by the faint wakes they produce on the sea-surface.

Most of the Indians in this forum don't realise just how much inferior the Indian P-8I is compared to the US P-8I.

It's a Vanilla-version of the true US P-8I.
Definitely true. BTW, US's version is not P-8I its P-8A. I is the denomination for India.

But US hasn't exported AN/APS-154 to anyone yet. Not even its closest allies. Its the Key radar to detect & track world's nuclear ballistic missile subs. Its strategic value is immense. I mean we can try to ask for it and hope for the best.

I would be happy if we got the non-export version of AN/APY-10 atleast.
 
Maybe Trum will subsidize these for India if he really wants India to purchase these aircraft. Boeing must also agree to integrate indian missiles to this aircraft to make it a viable deal.
 
Our enemy have submarines with AIP so these aircraft are not relevant now a days because of improved Drone technology and surveillance
 
100% ToT for the F414 plus a testbed plus expedited F404 deliveries for 6 P-8Is and 15 CH-47s? Ha! Trump is a businessman. Give him something that benefits him as well. What you are suggesting is heavily skewed in India's favour.
6 P8I and 15 CH47 is atleast 3 billion USD. the engines, we are paying and not free
 
6 P8I and 15 CH47 is atleast 3 billion USD. the engines, we are paying and not free
That is called the cost of manufacturing. You have not provided anything much in terms of profits. Obviously there is profit but not enough to let you become a competitor in their market.
 
The p8I's the globemasters and the hercules these aircrafts need to be procured there is no better alternative and real force projection equipment these are
 

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