The Boeing P-8A Poseidon long-range maritime surveillance plane could be deployed as early as September if the Navy declares it to have achieved initial operational capability, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Andrea Shalal-Esa and Lisa Lambert write the Navy will soon designated the Poseidon for the IOC status.
Boeing is currently contracted to build 37 of the anti-submarine and anti-surface P-8As for the Navy, which plans to buy 117 in total.
Company spokesman Chick Ramey told Reuters an announcement regarding the P-8A program was forthcoming.
“We have been working hand-in-glove with the Navy to help prepare for the first fleet deployment,” Ramey said to Reuters.
