Boeing is strengthening Australia’s maritime surveillance and anti‑submarine capability with the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P‑8A Poseidon inducted into an upgrade program as the service also begins to integrate its 13th aircraft into the fleet. Under the four-year Increment 3 Block 2 modifications, the RAAF’s P-8As will receive new antennas, sensors and software to improve computer processing and communication systems, allowing aircrews to search for, detect and target the world’s most advanced submarines.
Australia is the first global P-8A customer to receive Increment 3 modifications. The newest RAAF P-8A Poseidon was delivered Sept. 29, with the 14th aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.
“These upgrades, together with the delivery of the 13th P-8A, mark two important advancements for Australia’s defence of its vast coastline,” said Naomi Smith, director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) Sustainment Operations. “Increment 3 Block 2 will deliver next‑generation detection and targeting for aircrews, while the newest aircraft strengthens fleet readiness and operational reach, all while maintaining interoperability with the U.S. Navy P-8A fleet.”
The first two RAAF P-8As will be upgraded by Boeing at the Jacksonville maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. The RAAF aircraft are also the first international planes to be upgraded at the facility where teams continue to upgrade and deliver P-8As to the U.S. Navy. The remaining aircraft will be modified by BDA at its Deeper Maintenance & Modification Facility near RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.
“More than 30 aircraft maintenance engineer apprentices and trainees have already joined BDA to prepare for the Australian upgrade work, and as the program grows, we’ll create a further 30+ roles, strengthening Australia’s skilled aerospace workforce,” said Smith.
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