In the frame an information request to the industry published on the new federal online purchasing center, the US Navy Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has unveiled part of its plans to extend the operational capabilities of its fleet of P-8A maritime patrol aircraft Poseidon. This would indeed involve the integration of new armaments on the Poseidon. These armaments would considerably expand its military capabilities, to the point of making it a real regional bomber, while making it more formidable than ever for naval combat on and under water.
The debate over the breadth of the P-8A's operational spectrum has been raging for years within the US Navy, the surface fleet wanting NAVAIR to continue to dedicate its Poseidon to maritime operations only, in support of the fleet, while that US Navy aviators regularly supported the idea of expanding the capabilities of their aircraft. The example of the French Atlantic 2, operating regularly in support of land forces, is also resurfaced several times in public discussions around this topic.
The rest of this article is for subscribers only - from €1 the first month
Full-access articles are available in the “ Free Items“. Subscribers have access to the full Analyses, News and Synthesis articles. Articles in the Archives (more than 2 years old) are reserved for Premium subscribers.
All subscriptions are non-binding.
