Boeing boosts RAAF P-8A Capability with major upgrades, aircraft delivery

Boeing has delivered the 13^th P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance and anti‑submarine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at the same time as the first RAAF P‑8A has been inducted into an upgrade program. The RAAF’s 14^th and final P-8A is scheduled for delivery in 2026.

 Australia is the first global customer for the Increment 3, Block 2 modifications. Under the four-year upgrade program the RAAF’s P-8As will receive new antennas, sensors and software to improve computer processing and communication systems, allowing aircrews to search for, detect and target the world’s most advanced submarines, Boeing says.

“These upgrades, together with the delivery of the 13th P-8A, mark two important advancements for Australia’s defence of its vast coastline,” said Naomi Smith, director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) Sustainment Operations. “Increment 3 Block 2 will deliver next‑generation detection and targeting for aircrews, while the newest aircraft strengthens fleet readiness and operational reach, all while maintaining interoperability with the US Navy P-8A fleet.”

The first two RAAF P-8As will be upgraded by Boeing at the Jacksonville, Florida, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The RAAF aircraft are the first international planes to be upgraded at the facility where teams continue to upgrade and deliver P-8As to the US Navy. The remaining aircraft will be modified by BDA at its Deeper Maintenance & Modification Facility near RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

“More than 30 aircraft maintenance engineer apprentices and trainees have already joined BDA to prepare for the Australian upgrade work, and as the program grows, we’ll create a further 30+ roles, strengthening Australia’s skilled aerospace workforce,” said Smith.