Boeing has commenced upgrade work on the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the Increment 3 Block 2 enhancement program. The modernization, carried out at Boeing’s Jacksonville, Florida facility, aims to strengthen the aircraft’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) performance, as well as its anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare effectiveness. The upgrade introduces new antennas, sensors, and computing systems designed to improve data processing, situational awareness, and communications interoperability. Australia is the first international customer to receive this specific configuration, reflecting its close collaboration with the United States on maritime patrol capabilities. The $90.5 million (AUD 139.5 million) contract awarded in 2024 covers upgrades for multiple aircraft, with initial modifications performed in the United States and subsequent work to be undertaken by Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) at its Deeper Maintenance & Modification Facility in South Australia. The initiative forms part of Australia’s broader defense modernization strategy to maintain regional maritime superiority. More than 30 apprentice engineers and technicians have joined BDA to support the program, with additional employment opportunities expected as the project progresses. The Increment 3 Block 2 upgrade aligns the RAAF’s Poseidon fleet with U.S. Navy standards, ensuring operational compatibility and extending aircraft service life. The program is set to enhance Australia’s ability to conduct long-range maritime patrols, intelligence missions, and joint operations within the Indo-Pacific.
