Boeing and several Canadian industry partners announced on June 1, 2022 their intention to collaborate to provide the capability and durability of the proven P-8A Poseidon for Canadian multi-mission aircraft requirements.
The Poseidon team, comprised of CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defense, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada and Raytheon Canada, forms the cornerstone of a Canadian P-8 industrial footprint. The team relies on 81 Canadian platform suppliers and more than 550 Canadian suppliers in all provinces who contribute to Boeing’s annual economic benefits of C$5.3 billion for Canada, supporting more than 20 000 Canadian jobs.
The Boeing P-8A is a proven off-the-shelf military solution with nearly 150 aircraft delivered to five countries to date. The P-8 will enhance Canada’s ability to defend its northern and maritime borders while ensuring interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies. As a leading platform for reducing the environmental impact of military aircraft, the P-8 today can operate on a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel with aspirations to reach 100% with investments in new technologies.
“As a dedicated partner of Canadian industry for more than a century, Boeing is proud to bring together a team of world-class companies in support of our P-8 offering in Canada,” said Heidi Grant, President, Business Development, Boeing Defense. , Space & Security and Government Services. “Together, we will strengthen Canada’s aerospace and defense industry with a 100% industrial and technical benefits commitment if the CMMA contract is awarded.”
The P-8A Poseidon provides advanced anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue capabilities, and is the only multi-mission aircraft in service and in production that meets all CMMA requirements. The P-8 also has the added distinction of strengthening the link between national security and environmental stewardship.
“The P-8A Poseidon offers a unique opportunity for the Royal Canadian Air Force today, as all development costs have been paid for by other P-8 customers,” said Sean Liedman, Director of International Business Development. for mobility and surveillance aircraft, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “By its non-development nature, P-8 offers an affordable solution that will defend and protect Canadian security for future generations. With Canada at the forefront of cleanup and greening, it’s only fitting that Team Poseidon elevates long-term environmental sustainability as an integral part of national defense.
Having flown more than 450,000 hours without collective accidents, the P-8A Poseidon has proven its ability to operate worldwide in the most difficult flight regimes, including extended operations in extreme cold and of icing.
Current Boeing P-8 customers include the United States Navy, Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Republic of Korea Navy and the German navy.
Built on the proven next-generation 737 airframe, the P-8’s 86% commonality with more than 4,000 737NGs in service helps reduce lifecycle sustaining costs through significant economies of scale.