The Indian Navy on March 29 formally commissioned its second squadron of P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, Indian Naval Air Squadron 316 (INAS 316), at INS Hansa in Goa.
Salient features
- INAS 316 has been christened “Condors”, after one of the largest flying land birds with a massive wingspan, excellent sensory capabilities, and powerful talons that symbolise the aircraft’s capabilities.
- INAS 316 will operate 4 P-8I aircraft procured as part of the optional clause in 2016 in a deal worth over $1 bn, deliveries of which were completed recently.
- The Indian Navy’s first P-8I squadron was set up with eight aircraft at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, in November 2015.
- India was the first international customer for the P8I in January 2009, when it signed a contract with Boeing for eight P-8I for $2.17 billion.
- The P-8 is also operated by the US Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the UK’s Royal Air Force, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
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