• Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft has reached Australian city Darwin to participate in coordinated maritime operations such as anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance.

• The aircraft and its crew would be undertaking an operational turnaround at Darwin.

• During its stay, the team from the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol squadron, Albatross (INAS 312) is scheduled to engage with its counterparts from the 92 Wing of the Royal Australian Air Force.

• Australia has P8A aircraft in its fleet. Both P8A and P8I belong to the same P8 family of aircraft.

• P8 aircraft from both the countries would be conducting coordinated operations in anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance to enhance maritime domain awareness.

Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft

• Poseidon (P8) is one of Boeing’s most advanced aircrafts. 

• It is an aircraft designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

• The P8 delivers the highest levels of quality, reliability, and operability. A multi-mission aircraft, it is defined by a unique combination of state-of-the-art sensors, proven weapons systems, and a globally recognised platform.

• The P8’s Indian variant is referred to as P-8I. 

• The Indian Navy inducted the first aircraft into its force in May 2013.

• In February 2022, Boeing delivered the 12th P8I maritime patrol aircraft to India.

• The P8I is an integral part of the Indian Navy’s fleet and has surpassed 35,000 flight hours since it was inducted in 2013.

• The aircraft plays a crucial role in being the eyes of the Indian Navy and carrying out critical maritime operations. 

• The P8I is not just responsible for coastal patrolling but is also used for other critical missions like search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, and supporting operations of other arms of the military.

• The aircraft is also operated by the US Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the UK’s Royal Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Strengthening India-Australia ties

• In recent times, increased interaction between the two maritime nations, through bilateral and multilateral exercises at sea, has enhanced inter-operability and fostered bridges of friendship.

• The P8 aircraft, with their demonstrated long reach, have operated jointly during Malabar and AUSINDEX series of exercises, and have a common understanding of operating procedures and information sharing.

• Both India and Australia share strategic interests, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and rules based order in the region.

• The relations between India and Australia have strengthened in the last few years.

• Both the countries are part of security forum Quad. 

• On April 2, India and Australia signed Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement under which Canberra would provide duty-free access in its market for over 95 per cent of Indian goods such as textiles, leather, jewellery and sports products.

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