Boeing has announced that the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P‑8A Poseidon has been inducted into an upgrade program. The service has also begun to integrate its 13th aircraft into the fleet.
“These upgrades, together with the delivery of the 13th P-8A, mark two important advancements for Australia’s defence of its vast coastline,” Director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) Sustainment Operations, Naomi Smith, stated.
“Increment 3 Block 2 will deliver next‑generation detection and targeting for aircrews, while the newest aircraft strengthens fleet readiness and operational reach, all while maintaining interoperability with the U.S. Navy P-8A fleet.”
Under the four-year Increment 3 Block 2 modifications, the RAAF’s P-8As will receive new antennas, sensors and software to improve computer processing and communication systems, allowing aircrews to search for, detect and target the advanced submarines.
“More than 30 aircraft maintenance engineer apprentices and trainees have already joined BDA to prepare for the Australian upgrade work, and as the program grows, we’ll create a further 30+ roles, strengthening Australia’s skilled aerospace workforce,” Smith said.
According to Boeing, Australia is the first global P-8A customer to receive Increment 3 modifications. The newest RAAF P-8A Poseidon was delivered 29 September, with the 14th aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.
The first two RAAF P-8As will be upgraded by Boeing at the Jacksonville maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. According to the company, the RAAF aircraft are also the first international planes to be upgraded at the facility where teams continue to upgrade and deliver P-8As to the US Navy.
The remaining aircraft will be modified by BDA at its Deeper Maintenance & Modification Facility near RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.
This news has come after earlier in October 2025, the RAAF deployed a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and crew to Japan as part of Operation Argos, supporting the enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions on North Korea.