India Moves Forward with Acquisition of Six Additional P-8I Submarine Hunters
In a significant development for India's defense capabilities, the country is poised to procure six more Boeing P-8I aircraft, advanced multi-role Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR ASW) platforms. This procurement is part of an inter-governmental agreement with the United States, aimed at bolstering the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
Defence Procurement Board Clears the Deal
The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) is reported to have cleared this procurement on January 16, 2026. This decision comes just weeks before a major trade announcement by US President Donald Trump on February 2, where he agreed to a trade deal with India and reduced tariffs to 18 percent. According to highly placed sources, the move to proceed with the P-8I acquisition may have played a pivotal role in facilitating a breakthrough in these trade negotiations.
Upcoming Approvals and Procedures
The procurement is expected to be formally approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) at its meeting scheduled for February 12. Following this, it will require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security, with the final deal to be signed after cost negotiations are concluded. Officials familiar with the matter have indicated that the acquisition will be conducted under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, which governs all capital military procurements. This framework eliminates any offset obligations to the US firm, Boeing, as the defense ministry had removed the offset clause requirement for Inter-Governmental Agreements when it introduced the new DAP in 2020.
Strategic Importance of P-8I Aircraft
The Boeing P-8I is a long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Indian Navy, specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. With India's growing focus on the Indian Ocean Region and maritime security, these aircraft are set to significantly enhance the Navy's operational capabilities. Notably, this procurement stands out as one of the few foreign acquisitions that will not involve technology transfer or obligations such as co-production or the establishment of maintenance and repair infrastructure, aligning with the broader 'Make in India' initiative.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
In November 2019, the DAC had initially cleared the procurement of six P-8Is, and the US Department of Defense approved the sale in April 2021 at an estimated cost of $2.42 billion. However, the deal did not materialize at that time, and the aircraft's price is anticipated to have increased substantially since then. In a renewed effort, India and the US have been engaged in detailed discussions over the past few months. A delegation from the US Department of Defense and Boeing visited India in September last year to advance the talks.
Last month, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, along with a US delegation, met with Defence Secretary R K Singh. Following the meeting, Ambassador Gor posted on social media, highlighting ongoing joint exercises and additional sales in progress. This procurement is part of a series of key military acquisitions from the US, including 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles and 100 Javelin rounds, valued at over $90 million. India has also signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance with the US for sustainment support of the Indian Navy's MH-60R helicopter fleet, worth Rs 7,995 crore over five years.
Current Fleet and Operational Bases
Currently, the Indian Navy operates 12 P-8I aircraft, acquired in two batches: eight ordered in 2009 and four in 2016. These aircraft are operated by INAS 312 based in Rajali and INAS 316 at INS Hansa, Goa, playing a crucial role in maritime patrol and defense operations.
