P-8A Poseidon Aircraft Procurement to Bring Investment and Economic Growth to BC

Above image: left, see below, right, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair at a NATO event. 

Boeing has pledged $61 million to the British Columbian aerospace sector as part of its requirement as the supplier of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

As announced last December, the government plans to purchase up to 16 Poseidon aircraft, which will be acquired from the United States government and Boeing.

“Our incoming fleet of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft will provide our aviators with the tools that they need to protect our sovereignty – and at the same time, it is creating economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. As our government invests more in defence, we are ensuring that these investments deliver real value for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian economy, and Canadian workers. I thank Boeing for its work to deliver this new fleet of aircraft to Canada – and I welcome its major investments in British Columbia’s aerospace sector,” said the Minister of National Defence Bill Blair.

Investment Breakdown

As the contractor for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) new fleet, Boeing is required to provide business investments into the Canadian economy.

The $61 million investment has been broken into two meaningful contributions. Boeing will invest $48 million to increase Boeing’s Vancouver facility’s research and development capacity. According to the Department of National Defence (DND), the investment will specifically be geared towards data analytics technologies to increase program management, aircraft sustainability and performance. Boeing Vancouver will be able to develop tools to increase the sustainment of aircraft fleets, ensuring that Vancouver will be able to deliver higher aircraft performance.

“Headquartered in Richmond’s technology and innovation hub, Boeing Vancouver has greatly contributed to our economy and provided well-paying jobs to workers and families in British Columbia. The investments announced today by Boeing will further grow our regional economy and support generational work across our community. I am encouraged by Boeing’s continued commitment to tech advancements in ensuring that Richmond remains a hub of innovation,” said Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East.

The $61 million investment is further broken down into a $13 million investment into Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation based in Parksville, BC. Through this investment an aerospace manufacturing training facility will be established and will train up to ten workers to increase Indigenous participation in aerospace and defence.

“Boeing’s significant investments in British Columbia under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy underscore our government’s commitment to advancing Canadian innovation and economic prosperity. By supporting COTA Aviation’s Indigenous skills training and bolstering Boeing Vancouver’s capabilities in data analytics, Boeing is enhancing aerospace capabilities while fostering sustainable growth and creating high-value career opportunities. Through our ITB Policy, we are dedicated to ensuring Canada remains a global leader in aerospace excellence,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Acquiring a New Fleet

Through the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project, Canada aims to acquire 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft to replace the CP-140 Aurora, Canada’s current maritime patrol aircraft, which has been in service for more than four decades.

According to DND, after thorough analysis, the government believes that the P-8A will deliver “the best anti-submarine and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for our country.”

“This collaboration is a testament to Canada’s strength in the aviation industry and reflects Boeing’s unwavering commitment to the country where we have consistently driven innovation for over a century. It’s wonderful to forge greater partnerships and growth in the province of British Columbia, where our journey began back in 1919, symbolizing our enduring dedication to shaping the future of aerospace in Canada,” said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada.

Overall, the project investment will total $10.4 billion, including the acquisition of the aircraft and associated equipment, simulators, training devices, and sustainment set-up.

Overall, the project investment will total $10.4 billion, including the acquisition of the aircraft and associated equipment, simulators, training devices, and sustainment set-up.

The first P-8A is expected to be delivered in 2026, with the anticipation that two aircraft will be delivered every three months, with all the aircraft being delivered by 2028. DND states it expects the aircraft to be airborne by 2033.

The P-8As will be based at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. and 19 Wing Comox, B.C.