The Canadian Government has selected the Boeing P-8A Poseidon to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s ageing fleet of Lockheed CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft, which has been in service since 1980.
Ottawa made the announcement on 27 March, following a Request for Information (RFI) for a Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) in February 2022.
“Following engagements with industry and Canada’s closest allies, the 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 (ASW) and C4ISR,” the Canadian Government’s statement said.
“This platform is a proven capability that is operated by several of Canada’s defence partners including all of its ‘Five Eyes’ allies – the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.”
Other P-8A operators include Norway and South Korea and it has recently been selected by Germany. In addition, the similar P-8I is in service with the Indian Navy.
Canada has submitted a Letter of Request for up to 16 P-8As, including associated equipment and initial servicing, to Washington under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program but has yet to formalise the decision.
“The issuance of an LOR does not commit Canada to purchasing the P-8A Poseidon and the project remains in Options Analysis,” the statement added. “The final decision will be based on the capability offered, availability, pricing and benefits to Canadian industry.”
Based on the Lockheed P-3C Orion, the CP-140 Aurora is currently scheduled to retire from RCAF service in 2030.
“The P-8A is a proven multi-mission capability that meets all requirements and will protect Canada’s oceans and its borders for future generations. We look forward to working with the US and Canadian governments to finalise this sale under the FMS process,” a Boeing spokesperson added.
“Together with our Canadian industry partners – CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace and Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada and Standard Aerospace – we are committed to delivering 100 per cent industrial and technical benefits that will significantly grow Canada’s aerospace and defence industry.”