The Royal Canadian Air Force has selected Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon as the only aircraft suitable to replace its existing fleet of CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircrafts.
The Canadian government issued a press release informing of the selection of the Poseidon as a replacement for its CP-140 Aurora aircraft (Canada’s version of the P-3 Orion), which were originally acquired in 1980 and will be retired from active service by 2030.
A Request for Information (RFI) was released in February 2022 to obtain information from industry. Following engagements with industry and Canada’s closest allies, the government has determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the CMMA operational requirements, namely anti-submarine warfare and C4ISR. This platform is a proven capability that is operated by several of Canada’s defence partners including all of its Five Eyes allies—an intelligence alliance formed by the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand—as well as Norway, and South Korea. Germany has also recently purchased this platform.
See also: Germany purchases seven additional Boeing P-8A Poseidon and buries MAWS project
With a view to exploring this option in more detail, Canada has recently submitted a Letter of Request (LOR) through the United States government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program outlining Canada’s requirements and requesting an offer. These requirements include up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft and associated equipment and initial servicing, as well as access to intellectual property and technical data.
The issuance of a LOR does not commit Canada to purchasing the P-8A Poseidon and the project remains in Options Analysis. The final decision will be based on the capability offered, availability, pricing and benefits to Canadian industry.
Boeing also issued a press release stating the following:
“The P-8A is a proven multi-mission capability that meets all requirements and will protect Canada’s oceans and its borders for future generations. We look forward to working with the U.S. and Canadian governments to finalize this sale under the Foreign Military Sales process. Together with our Canadian industry partners ― CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada, and StandardAero ― we are committed to delivering 100% Industrial and Technical Benefits that will significantly grow Canada’s aerospace and defense industry.”
If the order is placed, Canada would become the third largest operator of the model, after India and the U.S. itself.
Clickbait title… Canada has not confirmed yet