The Canadian government has announced that the Boeing P-8A Poseidon has been selected as the preferred candidate to replace its aging CP-140 Aurora fleet. The decision was made after a thorough process that included engagement with industry and Canada’s closest allies.
Image: Boeing
The CP-140 Aurora fleet was originally procured in 1980 and is currently scheduled to retire from service in 2030. To ensure Canada’s military has the equipment it needs to continue protecting Canadian sovereignty along its coastline, the government has been seeking a new fleet of Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
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—the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand—as well as Norway, and South Korea. Germany has also recently purchased this platform.
Canada has recently submitted a Letter of Request (LOR) through the United States government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program outlining its requirements and requesting an offer. The 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.
However, 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.
The Canadian government’s decision to select the P-8A Poseidon is a significant development for Boeing. It adds to the growing list of countries that have chosen the platform, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
The P-8A Poseidon is a highly advanced aircraft that is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is based on the Boeing 737-800ERX commercial airplane and features advanced avionics, communications, and sensor systems.
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