Big trouble for Xi Jinping! After India, another enemy of China has acquired ‘Sea Hunter,’ armed with anti-ship guided missiles, has cheetah-like speed; it is…, country is…

Following India, another enemy of China has secured the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, more famously known as the “submarine killer.” Well, it is none other than South Korea. South Korea becomes the fourth country in the Indo-Pacific to operate the P-8 Poseidon. Australia and New Zealand, in addition to India, have already been operating this advanced surveillance aircraft. With the acquisition of the P-8 Poseidon, South Korea will enhance its surveillance capabilities and monitoring of the Chinese and North Korean navies. For the unversed, China operates the largest navy in the world in terms of quantity. Meanwhile, North Korea has been expanding its navy on the waters too.

Which country has acquired P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft?

Earlier on July 3, the Republic of Korea Navy (South Korean Navy) officially began operating its squadron of P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, as per a report by Yonhap News Agency. South Korea received all six aircraft from Boeing by June 2024, which was followed by a year-long training period for pilots and mechanics, which included flight training. With the training completed, all six aircraft are now deemed operationally ready to perform maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-ship operations.

What are the standout features of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft?

With threats rising from North Korea, South Korea purchased the P-8A Poseidon aircraft to transition from its aging fleet of P-3 patrol planes. The P-8A offers superior performance, a higher maximum speed, and superior operational range compared to the P-3. The P-8A is recognized worldwide as the best “submarine hunter” and has the capability to conduct critical missions such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, and maritime reconnaissance with a high degree of efficiency.

What is the speed of P-8A Poseidon?

According to the Yonhap News Agency, the P-8A Poseidon can fly at a maximum speed of 907 kilometers per hour and is considerably faster than the P-3’s maximum speed of 749 kph. The aircraft is capable of, operating a wide array of weapons (anti-ship guided missiles and torpedoes). Thus, it can strike surface targets and submarines. Importantly, the P-8A Poseidon can deploy about 120 sonobuoys to detect, identify, and track enemy submarines and thus provides enormous anti-submarine warfare capability.

During the aircraft’s induction last year, former South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik boldly stated that the P-8A Poseidon would turn enemy submarines into scrap. The sea will become a living hell for them. It is reported that South Korea plans to field the aircraft to closely observe its main security concern, North Korea, as well as the growing strategic challenge of China.

Which countries have purchased P-8A Poseidon?

Several other Indo-Pacific states, India, Australia, and New Zealand, have also purchased the P-8A Poseidon from the U.S. to upgrade their surveillance capacity and response, amid the growing military assertiveness of China in the region.

When did India utilize P-8A Poseidon?

India has utilized these aircraft for the observation of Chinese activity. In addition to maritime surveillance aircraft, P-8I aircraft have been used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions on land. For instance, Indian authorities used the P-8I during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and in the 2017 Doklam standoff to monitor Chinese troop movements. Going by the media reports, the P-8I provided near real-time images and data of Chinese military movements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Beyond bilateral responsibilities, P-8 operators are increasing their cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. In crisis, these nations utilize their intelligence sharing to link mutual capabilities and ensure collective knowledge on their respective capabilities.

News