New York: Boeing has delivered the fifth maritime patrol aircraft to India as part of a deal for eight aircraft to support the Indian Navy's maritime patrol requirements.
The P-8I aircraft incorporates not only India-unique design features, but also Indian-built sub-systems that are tailored to meet the country's maritime patrol requirements.
It features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment, the company said in a statement. Boeing will deliver one more P-8I before the end of the year and two in 2015.
India's Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral RK Pattanaik said the P-8I programme is progressing on schedule, and the aircraft are providing the capabilities to meet India's maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements.
The P-8I aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Rajali in Tamil Nadu, after a flight from Seattle's Boeing Field, and joined the four previously delivered P-8Is.
“This is another important milestone for the program, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with India,” Boeing Defense, Space & Security vice president in India Dennis Swanson said.
