Boeing P-8I Neptune
India's long-range eyes over the Indian Ocean.
About the Neptune
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is an American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It was developed for the United States Navy as a derivative of the civilian Boeing 737 Next Generation airliner. The P-8 operates in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.
Service history
India was the first international customer for the P-8, ordering eight in 2009 and four more later. Built on the 737 airframe, the P-8I adds an Indian-specified magnetic anomaly detector and Telephonics radar. The fleet tracked Chinese submarine deployments across the Indian Ocean and supported the Army during the 2020 Ladakh standoff in an overland ISR role.
Combat edge
Over 1,200 km patrol radius with long endurance
First international customer for the type
Magnetic anomaly detector unique to the Indian fit
Used overland for ISR during the 2020 Ladakh standoff