Article Posted on : - Jun 22, 2011

P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

WASHINGTON (BNS): Boeing has begun the final assembly of the Indian Navy's first P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft this month, the company announced Tuesday.

The P-8I aircraft is based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, and it is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the US Navy.

"The P-8I is a result of a close partnership between Boeing's commercial and defense units to deliver the latest and best maritime reconnaissance capability to the world," Dinesh Keskar, president, Boeing India, said.

"India is our first international customer for the P-8 and we are committed to delivering this aircraft on time," Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 programme manager, said.

In January 2009, Boeing was selected for the delivery of eight P-8I aircraft, with an option for four additional aircraft t India.

According to the company, the first P-8I aircraft will be delivered within 48 months of contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.

The P-8I will provide India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country’s maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements now and into the future.