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3w ago

Australia Begins P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 Upgrades as Fleet Reaches 13

The four-year program boosts submarine-hunting capability to strengthen maritime surveillance across the Indo-Pacific.

Arrival of 13th P-8A Poseidon at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Credit: Commonwealth of Australia.
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Overview

  • The RAAF has inducted its first P-8A into the Increment 3 Block 2 upgrade program as the service integrates its newly delivered 13th aircraft.
  • Modifications add new antennas, sensors and software to improve processing, communications, and detection and targeting of advanced submarines.
  • The first two aircraft will be upgraded at Boeing’s Jacksonville facility in Florida, with the remainder modified by Boeing Defence Australia near RAAF Base Edinburgh.
  • Australia is the first international P-8A operator to receive Increment 3 Block 2 upgrades, which maintain full interoperability with the U.S. Navy fleet.
  • Boeing Defence Australia has hired more than 30 apprentices for the work and expects 30-plus additional roles, with the 14th Poseidon scheduled for delivery in 2026.