Indian Navy Gets First P-8I Aircraft

The Indian Navy on Wednesday took delivery of the first of eight P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft from Boeing. India awarded the $2.1 billion deal to Boein in 2009 for procuring the long-range surveillance aircraft, which are equipped with anti-submarine weaponry. The first plane was handed over to Indian personnel by the company in Seattle. It will be used for training the crew there, according to Navy officials said. P-8I is a derivative of Boeing 737-800 long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and will replace the Russian Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprop. The Navy’s contract with Boeing included an option for four additional aircraft along with warfare, intelligence and surveillance systems, as well as training and maintenance support.