India to acquire further 12 P-8Is

The Indian Navy will acquire 12 more Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft to boost its eye in the sky over India’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

This is in addition to the 12 already ordered, a top commander said.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma told India Strategic Defence magazine in an interview that the force was satisfied with the progress of the first eight P-8Is being built by Boeing under a 2009 order and that the second order for four more aircraft was being processed.

It would be placed within the current fiscal ending March 2012.

At a later date, it was planned to acquire 12 more P-8Is for offshore surveillance and protection of the Indian waters and interests, bringing the total to 24, Verma added.