New Threats, Better Solutions

Jaison Deepak

Bengaluru: The increasing presence of Chinese nuclear submarines and Pakistan’s expansion of underwater capabilities have given rise to a changed but challenging threat profile. This along with piracy, smuggling to merchant shipping now require comprehensive long range, precise maritime reconnaissance and surveillance platforms with comprehensive information sharing and command and control facilities.

P-8I LRMPA

The Indian Navy signed the initial contract for eight P-8I for USD2.1 billion to replace the ageing Tu-142M, later a follow order for four more aircraft was placed. Eight air craft have so far been delivered. The P-8I, unlike the aircraft it replaces and many other similar aircraft in service around the world, is based on a turbofan powered Boeing 737 platform which provides it with long range and higher speed. This military derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800 combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the future battle space.

Regarded across the globe as the most potent anti-submarine warfare and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8I has given the Indian Navy an edge over other naval forces in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It can fly higher, farther and faster than other maritime patrol aircraft and can detect, track and report on more targets than ever before.

The P-8I’s range of over 1,200 nautical miles gives the Indian Navy a reach and capability to mount extensive surveillance of the seas. The Indian Navy’s P-8I fleet today provides surveillance support across the seas, from the East coast of Africa to the busy trade route of Malacca Strait. The P-8Is assist India carry ou