Wed Feb 12 16:34:03 UTC 2025: ## India to Revive Purchase of Six More US P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft

**New Delhi, February 12, 2025** – India is set to reignite its bid to acquire six additional P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft from the United States, sources have confirmed. The planned purchase is expected to be a key topic of discussion during upcoming talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

The move comes amid increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), making the P-8I, crucial for long-range surveillance and submarine hunting, even more vital for the Indian Navy. India already operates 12 P-8Is, procured in two batches in 2009 and 2016. While a previous attempt to acquire ten more was scaled back, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of six in November 2019. The US State Department subsequently approved the potential sale in May 2021, with an estimated cost of $2.42 billion.

Besides the P-8I deal, other significant collaborations with the US are anticipated, including co-production of General Electric F414 jet engines and Stryker infantry combat vehicles. These projects will leverage technology transfer to boost India’s defense capabilities.

The P-8Is will be complemented by the upcoming induction of 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian UAVs, acquired under a $3.5 billion contract. The high-altitude, long-endurance drones, starting deliveries in January 2029, will alleviate the burden on manned P-8I patrols over the IOR. Further bolstering anti-submarine warfare capabilities are 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters currently being integrated into the Indian Navy. Preliminary discussions regarding pricing and other aspects of the P-8I deal are already underway.

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