First Poseidon deliveries to South Korea
South Korea has taken a significant step in strengthening its maritime patrol capabilities with the arrival of the first Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
The RoKN announced the arrival of the first three P-8A Poseidon aircraft, serials 230921, 230923 and 230926, at Pohang Naval Air Command on 19 June 2024, with three more expected on 30 June. The Navy highlighted the Poseidon's advanced capabilities, emphasising its positive impact on both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime surveillance operations.
These multi-mission aircraft are expected to enhance the Daehan Minguk Haegun (RoKN, Republic of Korea Navy) ability to detect and deter threats in the East Sea and will play a vital role in maintaining regional security.
The aircraft were already operating out of NAS Jacksonville (FL) for training of the South Korean pilots and crew.
This recent delivery is the culmination of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) agreement between the US and South Korea. The FMS agreement, finalised in September 2018, paved the way for South Korea’s acquisition of six P-8A Poseidon MPAs for an estimated cost of USD 2,1 billion. In addition to the aircraft themselves, the agreement included critical support equipment, spare parts, training programmes for pilots and maintenance crews, and a suite of logistical support services essential for the successful operation and integration of the P-8A into the South Korean Navy.
The six P-8A Poseidon MPAs herald the retirement of the 61 Patrol Air Group's sixteen Lockheed P-3C/CK Orions of 611 Squadron and the P-3C Update III+/P-3CK of 613 Squadron.
The Poseidons are expected to be operational by early 2025. The Orions are expected to continue operations up to 2030. The RoKN may order additional P-8s or consider another type of maritime patrol aircraft to operate alongside the P-8A.
Credit photos: Martin Ma (via Jetphotos.com) and Ronald Stevelink (Scramble Archive)