Australian P-8A Poseidon Fleet to Receive Upgrades
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

This news is classified in: Defense Contracts Military Aircraft MRO

Sep 21, 2023

Australian P-8A Poseidon Fleet to Receive Upgrades

Australia recently announced the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol and Response aircraft will be upgraded to Increment Three Block Two, the latest capability upgrade available for the aircraft. The upgrade will enhance anti-submarine warfare, strike and intelligence capabilities.

“The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) works closely every day with our Australian teammates to promote international security and enhance interoperability, and this upgrade will set us up for future success in these endeavors,” said Capt. Eric Gardner, program manager of PMA-290.

The first aircraft is expected to begin upgrades in 2026 with the final aircraft to be completed in 2030. The upgraded P-8A Poseidon aircraft will continue to be operated by RAAF’s No. 11 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

Global Special Mission Aircraft - Market and Technology Forecast to 2028

Global Special Mission Aircraft - Market and Technology Forecast to 2028

Market forecasts by Region, Fitment, Engine type, and by Role. Country and Opportunity Analysis, Current Market Overview, and Leading Company Profiles

Download free sample pages More information

The RAAF declared initial operating capability for the P-8A in March 2018. The fleet currently consists of 12 aircraft. In December 2020, the Commonwealth announced the acquisition of an additional two aircraft through its existing cooperative program with the U.S. Navy. The upgrade will ensure the RAAF P-8A’s operational effectiveness into the 2030s. Through cooperative programs such as the P-8A, the U.S. and Australian militaries continue to enjoy more than 100 years of “mateship.”

PMA-290 manages the acquisition, development, support, and delivery of the Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.


Naval Air Systems Command
View original News release

Defence Exports 2024 Conference

Defence Exports 2024 Conference

London, United Kingdom
Sep 24 - 25, 2024

View agenda
Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

National Harbor, MD
Jun 26 - 27, 2024

View agenda