Six of the aircraft belong to the U.S. Navy, while the remaining three are operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. Full project funding was launched at the time the contract was signed, and the work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2029.
A key site for the work will be Jacksonville, Florida. Boeing built a new MRO center there several years ago for naval aviation, and the facility now specializes in P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole aircraft.
The modernization is being carried out under the Increment 3 Block 2 configuration. The upgrade is expected to cover all P-8A aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.
The input text says other P-8A Poseidon users may also express interest in the modernization in future years. No additional customers were identified in the provided material.
During the work, individual aircraft undergo replacement of selected onboard equipment and wiring. New onboard systems and necessary antennas are installed, and space is prepared for new types of suspended weapons.
The upgrades are intended to increase aircraft capabilities in areas including the search for and location of maritime targets. They are also expected to improve information exchange.
The modernization also provides for integration with systems including the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C LRASM guided anti-ship missile. The work continues a broader effort to enhance the operational capability of the P-8A Poseidon fleet used by the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.
