Boeing and several Canadian industry partners announced their intention to collaborate to position the P-8A Poseidon as the best option for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program.
The goal of the CMMA program is to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with a long-range manned Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft with extended capabilities to replace the CP-140 Aurora.
The Team Poseidon is comprised of CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada and Raytheon Canada, forming the cornerstone of the Canadian industrial proposal for Boeing’s bid for the P-8A.
Boeing’s proposal would involve the participation of more than 600 Canadian suppliers, representing more than 20,000 jobs and annual economic benefits to Canada of C$5.3 billion.
Boeing’s P-8A is a proven military solution, with nearly 150 aircraft delivered to five countries to date. According to Boeing, the P-8 will enhance Canada’s ability to defend its northern and maritime borders, while ensuring interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies.
As a leading platform for reducing the environmental impact of military aircraft, the P-8 can operate today on a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel, with aspirations to reach 100% with investment in new technologies.
“As a dedicated partner of Canadian industry for more than a century, Boeing is proud to bring together a world-class team of companies in support of our P-8 offering to Canada,” said Heidi Grant, president, Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Government Services. “Together, we will bolster Canada’s aerospace and defense industry through a 100% Industrial and Technical Benefits commitment if awarded the CMMA contract.”
The P-8A Poseidon offers advanced anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue capabilities, and is the only multi-mission aircraft in service and in production that meets all CMMA requirements. The P-8 also has the added distinction of strengthening the connection between homeland security and environmental management.
“The P-8A Poseidon offers a unique opportunity for the Royal Canadian Air Force today in that all of the development costs have been paid by other P-8 customers,” said Sean Liedman, director of International Business Development for Mobility & Surveillance aircraft, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “By its non-developmental nature, P-8 offers an affordable solution that will defend and protect Canadian security for future generations. With Canada at the forefront of cleaning and greening, it’s fitting that Team Poseidon is elevating long-term environmental sustainability as an integral part of national defence.”
Current Boeing P-8 customers include the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Republic of Korea Navy and German Navy.
Canada’s large size requires an aircraft with long range and long standby times to ensure that the platform can transit to operating areas and remain on station for sufficient time.
The Government of Canada will determine the winner of the CMMA competition between 2023 and 2024.
