The first operational P-8 squadron, VP-16, recently returned home from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, following a successful seven-month deployment.  

As countries have a need to keep an eye on their borders, waters and coastlines, the desire for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities reaches around the globe. Whether to monitor economic zones, conduct search and rescue, identify military targets or feed intelligence to ground forces, there is a worldwide need for maritime patrol. The Boeing P-8 and the new Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) offer those capabilities, and more.  

Boeing’s 15th P-8A Poseidon aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., this week, expanding the U.S. Navy’s long-range maritime patrol capabilities. At “Jax” it joined other Poseidon aircraft being used to train Navy crews in preparation for deployment.  

Internationally, India has received four P-8I aircraft to date, with two more to be delivered before the end of the year. The P-8I is a derivative of the Poseidon. Also, the Australian government in February announced that is has approved the acquisition of eight P-8As.  

The medium-size MSA, based on the Challenger 605 business jet, made its debut at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom this year, showcasing the P-8-derived mission systems. It is now undergoing ground and flight testing, paving the way for customer demonstrations.  

Read more about the P-8 and the MSA along with other aircraft in the Boeing ISR family.