The South Korean Navy received an important boost to its capabilities on Wednesday (19) with the arrival of the first three P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol jets. Manufactured by Boeing, the planes are specialized in missions against ships and submarines.
The aircraft were received at the Ponhang naval base. Before landing, there was an in-flight encounter with a P-3C Orion, the plane that will be replaced by Boeing jets.
In 2019, South Korea and the United States signed the purchase of six P-8A Poseidon in a program to replace the 16 veteran P-3 Orion. With the completion of crew training in the US, South Korea took home the first three planes, which are expected to enter service starting next year. The other three P-8s will be delivered by the end of this month. The South Korean military is now beginning a period of local familiarization with the new jets.
Based on the 737 enger jet, the P-8 is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft equipped with sensors and weapons systems to detect, locate and even attack vessels on the surface or underwater. The P-8 is also used in surveillance, intelligence and search and rescue activities.
The plane features an APY-10 radar for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, an electro-optical/IR turret, and electronic measures (ESM). Structurally, the aircraft shares several components with the Boeing 737NG, but with specific changes for the plane's use in military service.
The model was developed precisely to replace the P-3 in several navies around the world, including the United States, which today has the Poseidon as its main anti-submarine and surface warfare platform. In this way, interoperability between the two countries is also favored. Structurally, the aircraft shares several components with the Boeing 737-800, but with specific changes for the plane's use in military service.
With the introduction of the P-8s into service, South Korea will have a leap in its ability to respond to naval threats such as those from North Korea and China, which have strengthened their respective navies.
With information NavalNews.
