U.S. Navy: first P-8A Poseidon aircraft receives completed Increment 3 Block 2 modifications

The modification work began in March 2024 at Boeing’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hangar at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida. It includes extensive updates to the aircraft’s airframe and avionics systems, such as new racks, radome, antennas, sensors, and wiring.

A key element of the upgrade is the new combat systems suite, featuring enhanced computer processing and a more secure system architecture. Additional improvements include a wide-band satellite communication system, ASW signals intelligence capability, track management tools, and advanced communications and acoustics systems for better detection and targeting.

“In today’s ever changing global environment, it is important to pace the threat in terms of lethality and survivability,” said Capt. Erik Thomas, program manager for the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290). “The Increment 3 Block 2 modifications to the P-8A Poseidon will ensure they remain the most sophisticated and capable maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the world.”

The P-8A remains the U.S. Department of Defense’s only long-range, full-spectrum ASW platform, combining robust armed ASuW capabilities with integrated ISR functions. Increment 3 Block 2 represents a major step in maintaining the aircraft’s operational edge in evolving global threat environments.

Looking ahead, the Navy plans to introduce future enhancements to the P-8A through a series of rapid capability insertion efforts. These will build on the current Increment 3 Block 2 configuration to maintain the aircraft’s technological and strategic superiority.

PMA-290 continues to oversee the acquisition, development, support, and delivery of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft for the U.S. Navy.