Aircraft
UK Officers Highlight Shortfall in Maritime Patrol Capacity
The RAF is regaining a maritime patrol capability through the acquisition of P-8s, but senior officers are concerned that there are not enough for the task
A U.S. Navy P-8A approaches a tanker during refueling. The RAF is acquiring nine to restore a maritime patrol capability it lost with the retirement of the Nimrod in 2010. (photo: U.S. Navy)
A U.S. Navy P-8A approaches a tanker during refueling. The RAF is acquiring nine to restore a maritime patrol capability it lost with the retirement of the Nimrod in 2010. (photo: U.S. Navy)

Senior officers from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy (RN) have admitted that, despite the UK's closing its Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) gap with the acquisition of nine new Boeing P-8A Poseidons, there are unlikely to be sufficient aircraft to properly address emerging threats and create the required “mass” to have an impact on global maritime operations.


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