India Selects Boeing P-81

摘要

India's search for a new maritime patrol aircraft was concluded with the selection of the Boeing P-81. The aircraft was chosen as the Indian Navy's preferred new long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft on January 2. The P-81 will replace Tupolev Tu-142MK Bears and augment its Ilyushin II-38 Mays. The P-81 is based on the P-8A Poseidon on order by the US Navy to supplant its Lockheed P-3C Orion fleet. The announcement marks the first export deal for the aircraft. Delivery of the first P-8I will take place 48 months after contract signature with all aircraft expected to be in India by 2015.