The Government of Canada has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the acquisition of up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft, as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project.
Canada joins eight defense partners, including all “Five Eyes” allies, the intelligence alliance that includes the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Furthermore, it becomes the fifth NATO nation to select the P-8 as its multi-mission aircraft. The delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for 2026.
The P-8, already in service and production, is a proven solution meeting all CMMA requirements, including range, speed, endurance, and payload capacity. This decision, acording to the government, will benefit hundreds of Canadian companies and contribute to the industry’s prosperity in Canada through the maintenance of the new aircraft by Boeing’s industrial partners in the country.
Heidi Grant, President of Business Development at Boeing Defense, Space, and Security, remarked: “The P-8 will enhance Canada’s defense capability and readiness. We look forward to delivering this capability to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Alongside our Canadian partners, we will offer a robust package of industrial and technological benefits, ensuring the continued prosperity of Canada’s aerospace and defense industry.”
On his part, Charles Sullivan, General Manager of Boeing Canada, stated: “This is a very important day for the Royal Canadian Air Force and for Boeing. The P-8 offers unparalleled capabilities and is the most cost-effective solution in terms of acquisition and maintenance costs throughout its lifecycle. There is no doubt that the P-8 will protect Canada’s oceans and borders for future generations.”
The P-8 Poseidon involves a team of 81 Canadian suppliers, adding to Boeing’s over 550 suppliers across all provinces. Together, they contribute to the economic benefits for Boeing in Canada, amounting to 4 billion Canadian dollars and sustaining more than 14,000 jobs.
Boeing has delivered over 160 P-8 Poseidon aircraft, accumulating a total of 560,000 flight hours. The platform has demonstrated its capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian and disaster relief response.
