“The security environment is constantly reviewed and steps are taken to ensure that the armed forces are fully equipped to meet the security challenges and ensure the safety and security of the country,” Indian Defense Minister AK Anthony said.The aircraft would be able to scan the waters for a continuous stretch of six hours up to a distance of 600 nautical miles. “The P-8I is the most advanced LRMR platform with capability to observe even small boats and destroy hostile submarines. India is the first export customer for this U.S. aircraft. The advantage is that India will benefit from the hi-tech systems being developed for the U.S. Navy, which has ordered 117 P-8A Poseidon aircraft,” Adm. Nirmal Kumar Verma, then Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, told an Indian defense magazine in December 2011.
