Boeing P-8 Poseidon

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Boeing P-8 Poseidon

Boeing’s 737-based maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft made by Boeing in the United States, in service since 2013. Derived from the 737-800, it replaced the P-3C Orion, and more than 150 have been delivered.

United States|Boeing
907 km/hMax Speed2,200 kmCombat Radius12,500 mService Ceiling9Crew11HardpointsIn ProductionStatus

What Is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon? Overview, History and Development

The P-8 was derived from the Boeing 737-800 and built at Renton. It first flew on 25 April 2009 and entered US Navy service in 2013. Two CFM56-7B27A engines give a top speed of about 907 km/h and a combat radius of about 2,200 km with four hours on station. Sensors include the AN/APY-10 radar, MX-20HD turret and sonobuoy processing. Armament includes Mk 54 torpedoes and Harpoon missiles on 11 hardpoints.

More than 150 had been delivered by 2025, with about 120 or more in the US Navy. Exports went to India, Australia, the UK, Norway, New Zealand and South Korea. India has 12 P-8I, Australia 12, the UK 9, Norway 5 and New Zealand 4, and South Korea has 6 on order. Germany and Canada have ordered P-8As, with first deliveries due in 2026 to 2027. Unit cost is about US$140 to 180 million. The P-8 has tracked Russian and Chinese ships and submarines.

Boeing P-8 Poseidon
Photo: Balon Greyjoy / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Boeing P-8 Poseidon Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament

ManufacturerBoeing
CountryUnited States
Entered Service2013
First Flight2009
StatusIn Production
Crew9
Length39.5 m
Wingspan37.6 m
Height12.8 m
Engine2× CFM56-7B27A
Thrust2× 121 kN
Max Takeoff Weight85,800 kg
Max Speed907 km/h
Combat Radius2,200 km
Ferry Range8,300 km
Service Ceiling12,500 m
RadarAN/APY-10

Boeing P-8 Poseidon Variants and Versions Compared

P-8A

The P-8A is the US Navy version and also serves Australia, the UK, Norway, New Zealand and South Korea.

P-8I

The P-8I is the Indian Navy version, fitted with a MAD boom and Indian-specific equipment.

P-8A Block 3

The P-8A Block 3 is an upgrade with improved sensors and AGM-84K SLAM-ER and LRASM compatibility in testing.

Which Countries Use the Boeing P-8 Poseidon? Operators and Users

United StatesIndiaAustraliaUnited KingdomNorwayNew ZealandSouth Korea

Boeing P-8 Poseidon FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions

How much does a P-8 Poseidon cost?

A Boeing P-8 Poseidon costs about US$140 to 180 million per aircraft, depending on the export package, according to US DoD and Boeing figures. Prices vary by buyer.

How fast is the P-8 Poseidon?

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon has a top speed of about 907 km/h. Its combat radius is about 2,200 km with four hours on station.

How many P-8 Poseidons are there?

More than 150 P-8 Poseidons had been delivered by 2025, according to Boeing. About 120 or more of them serve with the US Navy.

Which countries use the P-8 Poseidon?

The United States, India, Australia, the UK, Norway, New Zealand and South Korea operate the P-8 Poseidon. Germany and Canada have ordered it, with first deliveries due in 2026 to 2027.

P-8 vs P-3 Orion: what is the difference?

The P-8 Poseidon is faster and flies higher than the P-3 Orion, but it does fewer low-level patrol hours. The P-8 replaced the P-3C in US Navy service.

Does Türkiye or any Arab country use the P-8?

No, neither Türkiye nor any Arab country operates the P-8. Türkiye uses CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft and ATR 72 ASW aircraft instead.