The Canadian government Thursday said it had finalized plans to purchase up to 16 Boeing [BA] P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft program (CMMA).
The P-8A is now set to replace Canada’s legacy CP-140 Aurora fleet, which dates back to 1980. The older fleet is set to retire in 2030, after 50 years of service. The Canadian Department of National Defense said this new fleet is “required to continue protecting Canadian sovereignty along our three coastlines.”
The finalization means Canada signed a Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. that covers 14 P-8As and options for up to two more aircraft.
The government said it estimates the total project will cost up to $7.7 billion, with $5.9 billion focused on P-8A procurement, associated equipment, training devices and sustainment setup. The remaining $1.8 billion is reserved to cover more investments in simulators, infrastructure and weapons.
The government said its final decision follows “significant engagement and thorough analysis, we are confident that the P-8A delivers the best anti-submarine and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for our country.”
In March, the Canadian government announced it chose the Boeing P-8A as the only available aircraft meeting all of the requirements for the CMMA and it submitted a Letter of Request via the U.S. FMS process to request an offer.
In June, the State Department approved a $5.9 billion Foreign Military Sale of up to 16 P-8As for Canada (Defense Daily, June 27).
The ministry said the P-8A meets all the requirements that the next aircraft is able to identify, detect, track and potentially engage surface and subsurface threats using various sensors and weapons as well as self-protection systems to ensure a good level of survivability.
The ministry noted the aircraft will operate seamlessly with allies and is already operated by the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
The first P-8A is set to be delivered in 2026, with subsequent units delivered on average of one per month. The entire fleet is planned to be delivered as early as fall 2027 and the government anticipates reaching full operational capability by 2033.
The Canadian government said as part of this project and selection Boeing “will provide meaningful business activities and make targeted investments in Canadian industry to support the growth of our aerospace and defense sector.”
Boeing plans to integrate Canadian companies into international supply chains, develop clean technologies and support development of skills and training within Canada.
“Together with our Canadian partners, we will deliver a strong industrial and technological benefit package that guarantees continued prosperity to Canada’s aerospace and defense industry,” Heidi Grant, president for business development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said in a statement.
The ministry said the company’s commitments could generate over 3,000 jobs annually and contribute at least $264 million (U.S. dollars) per year to Canada’s gross domestic product over 10 years.
Boeing said its bid consists of Team Poseidon, with the other participating companies under Boeing including CAE, GE Aviation Canada [GE], IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada [RTX], and StandardAero.
The company said over 160 P-8s have been delivered or in service, with over 560,000 collective fight hours.