P-8I Patrol Aircraft 

P-8I Patrol Aircraft

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence and Security 

In news

• The U.S. State Department approved the proposed sale of six P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India, a deal estimated to cost $2.42 billion.

Key takeaways 

• In November 2019, the Defence Acquisition Council, approved the procurement of the long-range maritime surveillance aircraft manufactured by Boeing.
• The possible sale comes through the Foreign Military Sale route and requires that the U.S. Congress be notified.
• With India having signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) foundational agreement with the U.S., the six aircraft will come fitted with encrypted systems.
• The P-8I is based on the Boeing 737 commercial aircraft and India was its first international customer.