The P-8A Poseidon is the Department of War’s only long-range full-spectrum anti-submarine warfare platform capable of cue-to-kill operations. The aircraft also performs anti-surface warfare and networked intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The Increment 3 Block 2 upgrade includes significant changes to the aircraft’s airframe and avionics systems. Modifications include new racks, radome systems, antennas, sensors and updated wiring.
The upgrade also introduces a new combat systems suite. It includes improved computer processing, enhanced cybersecurity architecture, wideband satellite communications and expanded anti-submarine warfare signals intelligence capabilities.
Rear Adm. Michael Wosje said: “The P-8A Inc 3 Blk 2 modifications enhance Naval Aviation’s Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) capabilities – the eyes of the Fleet.” He added: “This capability enhancement is in line with the CNO Fighting Instructions and the Golden Fleet Initiative, which shifts the paradigm from platform-centric thinking to a warfighting system.”
Wosje said the aircraft is being delivered as “a high-end, networked, and rapidly adaptable platform.” Officials said the upgrade is intended to improve search, detection and targeting performance.
Rear Adm. Craig Mattingly said: “The recent deployment of P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 marks the culmination of a spiral development strategy that delivers winning capability to the Fleet and ensures that the P-8A will remain agile, relevant, and lethal for decades to come.”
The Navy said the aircraft’s modernization strategy has been based on phased upgrades through engineering change proposals. Previous increments were designed to restore and expand capabilities previously performed by the P-3C Orion fleet.
Capt. Erik Thomas said: “I am extremely proud of the dedicated and focused acquisition team that is delivering this capability to the fleet.” He added: “The P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 modifications could not have come at a better time in our current state of evolving threats.”
Thomas said the aircraft remains central to U.S. maritime patrol operations. “The Poseidon is the cornerstone of sophisticated and lethal global maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces,” he said.
The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office oversees acquisition, sustainment and modernization of the fleet. Navy officials said the upgrades are intended to ensure the aircraft remains operationally relevant in future conflicts.
