India received the first of 24 P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft in May and that aircraft is now being flown around to various naval air bases that it expects to operate from. This includes the naval air base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where P-8Is would be able to watch the three main Chinese trade routes through the Indian Ocean.
In the last three years India has increased its P-8I order from eight to 24 aircraft. Only 12 are actually on order, but the admirals expect the performance of the P-8I to convince the government to pay for another twelve. Two years ago the navy was allowed to buy another four P-8Is, largely in response to growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. Five years ago India ordered its initial eight U.S. P-8s, for about $220 million each. The growing expense of maintaining their existing Russian Tu-142M reconnaissance aircraft, and the need for a more capable recon aircraft led to that initial order. The first P-8I will arrived ahead of schedule.
31/08/13 Strategy Page
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In the last three years India has increased its P-8I order from eight to 24 aircraft. Only 12 are actually on order, but the admirals expect the performance of the P-8I to convince the government to pay for another twelve. Two years ago the navy was allowed to buy another four P-8Is, largely in response to growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. Five years ago India ordered its initial eight U.S. P-8s, for about $220 million each. The growing expense of maintaining their existing Russian Tu-142M reconnaissance aircraft, and the need for a more capable recon aircraft led to that initial order. The first P-8I will arrived ahead of schedule.
31/08/13 Strategy Page
