Canada has officially ordered 14 P-8 Poseidon made by Boeing from the United States worth $ 5.9 billion. The contract value includes the aircraft and related equipment, but does not include simulators and weapons. Boing confirmed that Ottawa has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has the option to add two more P-8s for a total of 16 plus simulators, weapons and other equipment worth $ 7.7 billion. Delivery of the first aircraft will take place in 2026. The Poseidon will replace the CP-140 Aurora (P-3 Orion version) in the MPA role with the RCAF.
Boeing says that all Canadian P-8s could be delivered by fall 2027, with Full Operational Capability (FOC) achieved by 2033. Canada currently still operates 15 CP-140 units. This aircraft was acquired in 1980 and will be retired in 2030. The P-8 is designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue.
