P-8A programme progresses

Air January 26, 2017

The UK will see delivery of its first P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft in 2019, following a commitment by the UK and US to deepen defence cooperation between the two nations.

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin signed a declaration with Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work yesterday that will see maritime aviation cooperation when operating in the North Atlantic.

Furthering the commitment and close relationship between the UK and US, the declaration will see the two countries sharing logistics and support bases, thus optimising the use of P-8A aircraft and increasing value for money and operational effectiveness.

The will help support for the fleet, including at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, where the P-8A will bring some 400 plus jobs.

Operations will also be closely monitored and coordinated to ensure a coherent approach to MPA activity.

The purchase of the nine Boeing P-8A Poseidon MPAs is part of the UK governments’ commitment to invest in defence as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The aircraft will add to the UK’s surveillance capabilities, including conducting anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue and intelligence gathering

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin said: “The United States is our pre-eminent Ally in global defence and collective security. This declaration is further evidence of how our two countries continue to cooperate and build mutual security, particularly in the North Atlantic region.

“Backed by a rising defence budget and a £178 billion Equipment Plan, the P-8A programme will provide us with enhanced surveillance capabilities.

“As leading members of NATO, the UK and US are committed to the collective defence of each other and their Allies. We have also pledged to deepen defence cooperation, bilaterally and within the Alliance, to further improve the ability to operate together in exercises and operations.”

Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work said: “Today’s signing of the Declaration on P-8A Poseidon Bilateral Cooperation exemplifies the importance and strength of the US-UK partnership.

“This cooperation agreement ensures and deepens our interoperability and maritime patrol capabilities. Together, the US and UK will continue to deter regional threats and maintain a robust military posture.

“With the first P-8A aircraft due to arrive in the UK in 2019, the RAF has ensured that we have maintained the skills needed to operate these MPAs through the ‘seed-corn’ programme, which has embedded former RAF MPA operators within the MPA squadrons of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.”

Air Commodore Ian Gale, Senior Responsible Owner for the Poseidon P-8A programme, said: “This agreement will enhance the UK’s maritime patrol capability and further strengthen UK-US defence relations. The arrival of the Poseidon P-8A in 2019 will provide the UK with significantly increased capabilities and bring hi-tech employment to Scotland and the wider UK.”