P8I Aircraft:
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
- P-8I Poseidon is a long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.
- It is manufactured by Boeing (a U.S. aerospace company) for the Indian Navy.
- It replaced the ageing fleet of the Indian Navy’s Tupolev Tu-142 aircraft.
- The P-8I Poseidon flown by the Indian Navy is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon used by the United States Navy.
- It has advanced sensors, weapons systems, and long-range capabilities enable it to detect and respond to a wide range of threats, from submarines and surface vessels to environmental challenges.
- It can conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol, and surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
- The maximum take-off gross weight of the P-8I is 85,139 kg.
- It can fly at a maximum speed of 789 km/h.
- It has a maximum range of over 2,222 kilometres with a time on station of four hours.
