P-8I Anti-Submarine Warfare | 11 Feb 2026

Source: IE 

The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) has cleared the proposal to acquire six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidon from the US to bolster the Indian Navy’s surveillance and combat capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. 

• No Offsets Clause: The deal is being pursued through an India–US Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) framework.  
  • The procurement is being processed under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which removed offset requirements for Inter-Governmental Agreements. As a result, this deal will not include technology transfer or co-production provisions.  
  • Unlike several acquisitions aligned with Make in India, this purchase prioritizes strategic and operational urgency over domestic industrial participation. 
• Boeing P-8I: A multi-mission, long-range maritime patrol aircraft designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Maritime Domain Awareness, and Search and Rescue operations. 
  • The Indian Navy currently operates 12 P-8I aircraft stationed at INS Rajali (INAS 312) and INS Hansa (INAS 316). 
• Other US Deals: Defence engagements with the US also include procurements of M982A1 Excalibur projectiles, Javelin missiles, and sustainment support for MH-60R helicopters.