This month Boeing expects to deliver back to the U.S. Navy the first production modification of the P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 (I3B2) aircraft, with another two already at an advanced stage of the update process. By the end of the year, six modifications should be complete, with the aim of achieving initial operating capability next April, and permitting the start of crew training on the new version of the multi-role platform.
Previous P-8A upgrades primarily concerned software, but the Increment 3 Block 2 is a major update that allows the P-8 to fully match the ambitions of its original procurement strategy. The modification requires the cabin to be stripped, and its cabinets, avionics racks, and crew stations to be replaced. Much of the wiring is replaced, and the airframe requires some modifications to accommodate new antennas.
Among the I3B2's new systems are enhanced wideband satellite communications, providing higher data transfer rates. The new secure communications suite improves the ability of the P-8 to operate more effectively with carrier battle groups and also enhances mission interoperability with other navies.
Anti-submarine Capability Added
I3B2 adds an anti-submarine warfare signals intelligence capability and an enhanced multistatic active coherent sonar system that tracks detonation sounds reflected off submarines and detected by receiver buoys. A new track management system fuses data from multiple sensors and determines which can be amalgamated into a single track. Computing power is increased to meet the new and emerging demands of the improved mission suite.
Following on from two aircraft updated to Increment 3 Block 2 configuration for test and evaluation purposes, which have been ongoing for over a year, Boeing inducted the first fleet aircraft into its production modification process in late March 2024. The upgrade is being conducted at the company’s Cecil Airport facility in Jacksonville, Florida, which can perform 12 modifications per year.
Boeing is currently on contract for seven I3B2 upgrades for the U.S. Navy, with a follow-on contract being finalized. Ultimately the U.S. Navy plans to update all of its planned fleet of 135 P-8As. At press time, 124 of them had been delivered and are serving with 14 fleet squadrons and a single fleet replenishment unit. The U.S. Navy has surpassed 500,000 flight hours in the Poseidon.
Australia’s 14 Poseidons are also due to receive I3B2 modifications as part of the joint P-8 development program with the U.S. Navy. For other export customers, both existing and potential, the question of whether I3B2 will be available is in the hands of the U.S. government, with Naval Air Systems Command’s PMA-290 program office managing all aspects of the Poseidon program.
P-8 Export Sales
Currently the P-8 has achieved 72 export sales from eight nations: Australia (14); Canada (14 plus two options); Germany (eight); India (12 P-8Is); New Zealand (four); Norway (five); South Korea (six); and the United Kingdom (nine). Germany’s first aircraft is due to be one of seven P-8As delivered in 2025, the rate having been hit by last year’s IAM machinist strike.
Boeing continues to pursue opportunities, including additional purchases from existing users. The company is currently negotiating Lot 13 production, which includes the first aircraft for Canada.
I3B2 forms a new baseline for further rapid technology insertions. Boeing and the P-8 community continue to look at improvements and new capabilities to add to the Poseidon. Areas that are being examined include the improved resilience of communications in denied environments, including the possibilities offered by low-earth orbit satellite constellations.
Open-ocean search-and-rescue capability could be expanded, driven in part by the needs of Australia and New Zealand, while the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile could be fully integrated to give a powerful anti-surface warfare capability. Fit checks were undertaken by VX-20 in 2023.