Boeing delivers first P-8A Poseidon aircraft to Norway

Boeing has delivered Norway’s first of five P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft that will be operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

The milestone comes four years after Norway entered into an agreement with the US Navy for the P-8A, and two years before the new aircraft are scheduled to begin taking over maritime patrol duties in Norway’s high north.

“Today's delivery of our first P-8A is an important milestone in the modernization of Norway’s maritime patrol aircraft capability,” said Mette Sørfonden, director general of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). “I’m very pleased that the NDMA will soon be able to provide the Norwegian Armed Forces with a whole new generation of aircraft that will play an important role in preserving our national security for many years to come.”

“We’re honoured to provide this unmatched, multimission maritime patrol capability to Norway,” said Stu Voboril, vice president and program manager, P-8 programmes. “Norway joins seven other global customers that have selected or already operate the P-8 and benefit greatly from its long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. We look forward to enhancing our continued and enduring partnership with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and supporting the future fleet’s sustainment and training needs.”

Norway’s four remaining aircraft are all in advanced stages of production and will be delivered in 2022. The five P-8As will replace the RNoAF current fleet of six P-3 Orions and two DA-20 Jet Falcons.

Norwegian companies Nammo, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Andoya Space and Berget currently have agreements with Boeing that are part of a tailored industrial cooperation plan related to Norway’s acquisition of five P-8A aircraft.

Boeing continues to work with the NDMA and Norwegian industry to expand that plan and support economic growth throughout Norway.

The delivery to Norway also marks the 142nd P-8 aircraft delivered to global customers, including the US Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Indian Navy and the Royal Air Force.

First deliveries to New Zealand, Korea and Germany will take place in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively.

www.boeing.com