P-8A Poseidon

The P-8A Poseidon program is a major Navy aircraft procurement initiative aimed at replacing the aging P-3C Orion fleet with a modern, multi-mission maritime aircraft. The P-8A, a militarized derivative of Boeing's 737-800ERX, is designed to enhance the Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The program's goal is to sustain and improve maritime and littoral ISR capabilities for U.S. Naval Forces in traditional, joint, and combined roles, countering evolving threats and supporting the Navy's Sea Power 21 vision, including Sea Shield, Sea Strike, and FORCEnet mission requirements.

The objectives of the P-8A Poseidon line item include the procurement of aircraft, trainers, and associated support equipment. In FY 2026, the budget request funds production engineering support and Airframe Peculiar Ground Support Equipment (PGSE) Future Readiness efforts, which are critical for delivering and fielding the aircraft. These efforts were not included in the FY 2024 Congressional Add but are necessary to ensure the program's continued operational effectiveness. The FY 2026 request also reflects a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services, aligning with Executive Order 14222 to promote government efficiency and cost savings.

Aircraft procurement within the P-8A program is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), with Boeing as the primary contractor. The procurement strategy utilizes a Single Source/Fixed Price Incentive Fee (SS/FPIF) contract structure, ensuring cost control and timely delivery. The production schedule for FY 2024 includes aircraft with deliveries extending into FY 2027 due to production rate adjustments and foreign military sales commitments. The program has delivered aircraft in prior years, with ongoing procurement planned to meet fleet requirements and address operational gaps.

Production engineering support is a key objective in FY 2026, with funding allocated to support depot standup and intermediate-level test and repair capabilities. This ensures that the Navy can maintain and sustain the P-8A fleet efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing mission readiness. The increase in production engineering support costs from FY 2025 to FY 2026 reflects the need to establish robust maintenance infrastructure at Fleet Readiness Centers, including the manufacture of SUU-92/A Pylon maintenance stands.

Support equipment and training are integral components of the P-8A program, with investments in Airframe PGSE, Engine PGSE, Avionics PGSE, and Peculiar Training Equipment. These elements enable effective operation and maintenance of the aircraft, ensuring that personnel are adequately trained and equipped to support mission requirements. The program also includes funding for publications and technical equipment, which provide essential documentation and tools for fleet operators and maintainers.

Initial spares funding is included to provide the necessary spare parts for newly delivered aircraft, supporting immediate operational deployment and minimizing logistics delays. This investment is critical for maintaining fleet readiness and supporting global operations.