The US State Department has cleared the Canadian government to purchase P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for $5.9 billion.
Ottawa sent a letter of request to the US government earlier this year for its planned acquisition of up to 16 Poseidon aircraft from Boeing.
The warplanes are expected to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s current 14 Lockheed CP-140 Aurora patrol aircraft.
According to the approval announcement, Canada would also receive 26 joint tactical radio systems, 38 embedded global positioning systems, and 25 large aircraft infrared countermeasures systems should the procurement go through.
The potential agreement would include spare parts, logistics technical assistance, engineering technical services, and other associated support equipment.
While Boeing will be the prime contractor, the State Department revealed that multiple companies would collaborate to provide components and engineering services for Canada’s future P-8As.
Improving Military Capabilities
Canada’s intention to acquire new multi-mission patrol aircraft was revealed as early as 2016.
However, insufficient government funding delayed the planned procurement.
But with the recent approval from the US government, the Royal Canadian Air Force could finally accelerate the lengthy acquisition process.
The P-8A Poseidon would help Ottawa ensure regional stability and contribute to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations worldwide.
It would also increase Canada’s interoperability with the US and other allied forces when addressing maritime threats.
The state department said the potential customer would have no difficulty accepting the aircraft since it shares many common features with the Canadian 737NG.