Boeing and The Government of Canada have signed a LOA for up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon jets, under the CMMA project joining the FIVE EYES alliance, to select the P-8 as its multi-mission aircraft.
Boeing and The Government of Canada have signed a Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the acquisition of up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft, marking a significant step in the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project. This decision positions Canada as the fifth NATO nation and the ninth defense partner, joining the FIVE EYES alliance, to select the P-8 as its multi-mission aircraft. The first delivery of these advanced maritime patrol aircraft is anticipated in 2026.
Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon is the sole proven, in-service, and in-production solution that fulfills all CMMA requirements, including range, speed, endurance, and payload capacity. Canada’s choice of the P-8 is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, creating nearly 3,000 jobs and contributing $358 million annually to Canada’s economic output, according to a 2023 independent study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation.
“The P-8 will bolster Canada’s defense capability and readiness, and we look forward to delivering this capability to the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Heidi Grant, president, Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Together with our Canadian partners, we will deliver a strong industrial and technological benefit package that guarantees continued prosperity to Canada’s aerospace and defense industry,” she further added.
The P-8 acquisition will involve collaboration with Canadian partners, forming Team Poseidon, which includes CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada, and StandardAero. This team builds upon the existing network of 81 Canadian suppliers to the P-8 platform and more than 550 Boeing suppliers across all provinces, contributing significantly to Boeing’s annual economic benefit to Canada.
“This is a very important day for the Royal Canadian Air Force and for Boeing,” said Charles “Duff” Sullivan, managing director, Boeing Canada. “The P-8 offers unmatched capabilities and is the most affordable solution for acquisition and life-cycle sustainment costs. There’s no doubt the P-8 will protect Canada’s oceans and its borders for future generations,” he further added.
With over 160 aircraft delivered or in service and accumulating 560,000 collective flight hours, the P-8A Poseidon has demonstrated capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief response.
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Boeing’s P-8 Canadian industry partnership aims to strengthen Canada’s defense capabilities while fostering economic growth through job creation and sustained economic output. The acquisition aligns with Boeing’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community impact, reinforcing its position as a leading global aerospace company.
