P-8A MMA

DID has covered the Boeing 737-derived P-8A MMA program in-depth, including India’s interest in the P-3 Orion’s successor. The P-8A is not expected to be available before 2013-2014. Nevertheless, The Times of India’s sources in the Indian Navy believe that the P-8A would match the combined operational profile presently being executed by its existing fleet of Ilyushin Il-38 Mays and TU-142 Bears. Given the limited remaining lifetime of even the refurbished IL-38SDs, a long-term solution is understandably attractive.
As DID has noted before, India also considers its involvement in the Boeing MMA program a test of Washington’s long-term military and strategic commitment to India. Significant distrust remains in the wake of the USA’s 1988 embargo of military exports to India and Pakistan following underground nuclear tests – an embargo that was only lifted fully in September of 2004. While its timeline may pose problems, just having the P-8A offered and cleared for export has been the one of the biggest benefits India received from this RFP; the Pentagon has also pledged to make additional technical military capabilities available to New Delhi as they enter US service.
In the end, Team Boeing submitted its proposal to develop and deliver 8 P-8I Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft variants, touting its commonality and supportability benefits (q.v. April 13/07 update). The proposal includes the development of a unique Indian navy P-8 configuration, significant participation for Indian industry, test and certification activities, and 8 aircraft delivered over a 4-year period. This appears to be the winning proposal.