Boeing has highlighted the progress made in manufacturing and maintaining its P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft. This includes an increase in investment and economic impact as part of its Aatmanirbhar Bharat strategy. Currently, the Indian Navy already has twelve P-8Is serving its reconnaissance and surveillance needs in the Indo-Pacific region.
Boeing has contributed significantly to the Indian economy by providing $1.7 billion to support the existing P-8I aircraft fleet. They predict that expanding the fleet to 18 aircraft will lead to approximately $1.5 billion in investments. This expansion will also create more opportunities for indigenization within India’s aerospace and defense sector by 2032.
Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India, stated that Boeing is committed to advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision through its dedication to the P-8I fleet. They aim to enhance engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment capabilities in India for both Indian and global customers.
Since its introduction in 2013, the P-8I aircraft has played a crucial role in the Indian Navy’s fleet. It is based on the 737 Next Generation platform and has accumulated over 40,000 flight hours with high mission readiness rates. Boeing has also played a significant role in establishing training simulators for P-8I aircrew and technical teams, reducing on-aircraft training time and improving mission proficiency for the Indian Navy.
Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of Mobility, Surveillance, and Bombers at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, expressed pride in partnering with the Indian Navy. The P-8 delivers exceptional capabilities as a multi-mission aircraft, enhancing interoperability and maritime security in India and the Indo-Pacific region. Boeing is also committed to expanding its supplier network in India, which currently includes 15 public and private Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.
The globally proven P-8 fleet, with over 160 aircraft in service, has accumulated more than 500,000 mishap-free flight hours worldwide. It is used by countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, and Germany.
