Israeli Navy Chief Discusses Potential P-8 Poseidon Aircraft Purchase with Boeing

Israeli Navy Commander Major General Eyal Aral met with a senior representative from Boeing several weeks ago to discuss a potential acquisition of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, according to Walla. These aircraft are designed for anti-submarine warfare, among other capabilities. An Israeli defense ministry source told Walla that Israel is "seriously considering" the purchase.

Aral intends to include the acquisition in the navy's strategic development plan for the next decade, which is slated for presentation to the General Staff by the end of 2026. Newsru.co.il reported in July that Israel's security establishment was discussing the possibility of buying the P-8 Poseidon due to concerns over the growing submarine forces in the region, particularly those of Turkey and Egypt. Turkey operates 14 submarines, Egypt has eight, and Israel currently has six, with two more under construction.

The P-8 Poseidon, based on the Boeing 737, is used for submarine hunting and destruction, maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and anti-surface warfare. The aircraft are currently operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Norway, New Zealand, South Korea, and Germany. If approved by Washington, Israel would be the first Middle Eastern nation to acquire the P-8.