The latest “P-8A Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft, hailed as the world’s most advanced “submarine killer,” arrived at the ROKN Naval Air Command in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, on June 19, according to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The arrival of the P-8A is seen as a significant enhancement of South Korea’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid an unusual increase in submarine-related activities near North Korea’s Sinpo South Shipyard and speculation that Pyongyang may test-fire another submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) this summer.
Considered the world’s best maritime patrol aircraft, the Poseidon performs anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and maritime surveillance missions. Its top speed is about 900 km/h, faster than the ROK Navy’s existing maritime patrol aircraft, the P-3 (749 km/h), and it boasts a wide operational radius.
The Poseidon is equipped with high-performance surveillance and reconnaissance systems and electronic warfare gear, including a long-range X-band radar that can detect maritime targets hundreds of kilometers away and digital electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) equipment capable of capturing high-resolution images and detecting targets tens of kilometers away.
In addition, it is armed with air-to-surface guided missiles for precision strikes against maritime targets, torpedoes for targeting submarines underwater, and over 120 sonar buoys to detect, identify, and track enemy submarine signals.
“The introduction of the Poseidon will not only enhance our airborne anti-submarine capabilities against North Korean submarines but also enable us to conduct robust maritime air operations, including rapid response in future maritime scenarios and expanded surveillance capabilities in our waters,” the ROKN stated.
