Israel’s Navy is considering buying Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft for anti-submarine and covert maritime missions. An initial assessment says its commander intends to add the requirement to a decade-long strategic plan due before the General Staff at year-end.
The P-8 is based on Boeing’s 737 and is equipped for reconnaissance and surveillance, with acoustic sensors and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare; it can also carry missiles against surface ships and land targets. If the United States approves a purchase, Israel would be the first Middle Eastern country to operate the aircraft.
Israel has six submarines, with two more in planning and construction. Officials have yet to decide whether to expand the fleet to eight or retire older submarines when the new ones arrive, leaving the total at six.
