India and US to Negotiate $4 Billion P-8I Patrol Aircraft Deal
India and the United States are preparing to hold high-level defense negotiations for the purchase of six new P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft worth $4 billion. A joint team of Boeing representatives and US officials will visit India this week to finalize discussions with the Indian Navy.
Currently, the Navy operates 12 P-8I aircraft. The new deal will significantly enhance India’s surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
📌 Background: Navy’s existing fleet
In 2009, India first signed a deal for 8 P-8I aircraft.
In 2016, it added 4 more aircraft to its fleet.
With this new agreement, the total strength will rise to 18 aircraft.
The Indian Navy has repeatedly emphasized the need for additional aircraft to monitor vast maritime zones, particularly in view of China’s increasing naval presence.
🌍 Signs of growing India-US defense cooperation
Just a week ago, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received the third engine for the Tejas fighter jet from US manufacturer General Electric.
These developments signal a new phase of warmth in bilateral defense relations, especially after recent tensions caused by the tariff war between the two countries.
🔹 Why the P-8I deal matters for India
The Boeing P-8I Poseidon, a variant customized for India, is among the most advanced maritime patrol aircraft in the world.
Key features of P-8I:
Detects and targets submarines hidden deep underwater.
Operational range of 8,300 kilometers.
Equipped with torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Fitted with multi-mission surface search radar for intelligence gathering.
Used by India for maritime surveillance and monitoring Chinese activity along the borders.
With its ability to conduct long-range reconnaissance, the P-8I plays a crucial role in securing India’s strategic maritime interests.
The $4 billion P-8I deal marks another major milestone in India-US defense ties. For India, these aircraft are not just about strengthening naval capabilities, but also about asserting dominance in the Indian Ocean against growing Chinese presence.
