Canada Acquires P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Canada joins the US Navy, the United Kingdom, Norway and Germany, among others, in acquiring the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Here are American aircraft of this type at Keflavík Air Station, Iceland. (Photo: Amariv Perez/US Navy)
Canada has entered into an agreement with the US government to acquire fourteen P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, with the first delivery in 2026. This opens up new opportunities for Arctic cooperation, says the Chief of the Norwegian Air Force.
Canada's Department of National Defense recently announced that the country's government is acquiring fourteen P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft with options for an additional two.
These will replace Canada’s current maritime patrol aircraft, CP-140 Aurora, which has been in service for over 40 years.
"The P-8A will protect Canadians, enhance our Arctic security and national sovereignty, and enable Canada to meet its NATO, NORAD, and other obligations well into the future,” writes the department.
The American Boeing company manufactures the aircraft, and the procurement is made through a government-to-government agreement with the United States. The estimated investment for this project is CAD 10.4 billion and includes associated equipment, among other things.
The first aircraft will be delivered in 2026. With a fast pace of delivery, all aircraft will be in place as early as autumn 2027. Total operational capacity is expected by 2033.
The Norwegian Air Force welcomes Canada's decision to acquire the P-8A. Norway ordered five such aircraft in 2017, with the first delivery in 2022 and the last expected in 2026.
“The maritime domain has always been of importance to both nations. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation across the Arctic,” says the Chief of the Norwegian Air Force, Major General Rolf Folland, on X.
Advanced strategic capability
The P-8A Poseidon is equipped with sophisticated sensors and weapons and can cover large sea areas in a short time.
It can detect, identify, and follow submarines and surface ships – and, if necessary, hit targets. In addition, the aircraft can contribute to search and rescue missions and maritime counter-terrorism operations.
“In today’s complex global environment, Canada requires a military capable of protecting our country well into the future. We are committed to ensuring that our current and future aviators have the most advanced equipment possible to do just that. Canada requires a multi-mission fleet to contribute to the safety and security of Canadians and protect the sovereignty of a country with the longest coastline in the world. The Boeing P-8A Poseidon is the right aircraft to fulfill this role,” says Canadian MoD Bill Blair (Liberal Party).
The Canadian government also states that it will continue making significant defense investments.
