Latest news with #P-8A
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
NATO Ally Sends Submarine Hunter to Russia's Doorstep
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A submarine-hunting aircraft operated by NATO member Norway flew close to major military bases in northwestern Russia on Wednesday, according to publicly available flight records. Why It Matters Signals captured by the website Flightradar24 show NATO nations, including the United States, have been carrying out reconnaissance flights close to Russia's northwestern Murmansk region in recent days. A U.S. Air Force spy plane took off from a British base on Tuesday, first traveling north over Norway before approaching Murmansk, which is pressed up against NATO member Finland. A similar aircraft operated by the British Royal Air Force flew an almost identical flight path through Europe up to Murmansk last week. What To Know The Norwegian P-8A "Poseidon" was first detected in the Barents Sea on Wednesday morning local time, heading in a northwesterly direction away from the area off northern Murmansk. Russia's Northern Fleet, which controls much of Moscow's submarine and nuclear capabilities, is based in the Murmansk region, partly in the town of Severomorsk. Russia has a variety of military bases located close to one another around the city of Murmansk and Severomorsk, including major submarine hubs. The Kremlin has a formidable submarine fleet, which is generally considered a much more impressive force than Moscow's surface fleet of vessels. A partial flight route recorded by Flightradar24 showed the Norwegian anti-submarine warfare plane, identified by the call sign NIKE21, traveled from close to Murmansk to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard before returning to northern Norway roughly four hours later. The aircraft appeared to be operating out of Evenes Air Station, home to advanced F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, as well as hosting Norway's new P-8A fleet. Newsweek has reached out to the Norwegian armed forces for comment via email. A Poseidon aircraft arrives in Kinloss, Scotland, in February 2020. A Poseidon aircraft arrives in Kinloss, Scotland, in February 2020. Press Association via AP Images The P-8A is a Boeing-made maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in service with several militaries across the world. The British government said back in 2022 it would deploy its P-8A aircraft to the High North, a broad geographic term often used to include the Arctic. British air force P-8As now fly regular sorties out of RAF Lossiemouth, a base in Moray in northeast Scotland. What Happens Next NATO attention has increasingly turned to the Arctic in recent years, a region where Russia is dominant. Officials from NATO militaries have also warned of China's growing presence in the Arctic, although Beijing is not an Arctic state.
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Ally Flies New Submarine Hunters To Sink North Korea's Navy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. South Korea began flying its fleet of P-8A maritime patrol aircraft—acquired from its ally the United States—to counter North Korea's navy, including its destroyers and submarines. The P-8A is capable of conducting anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions. South Korea received all six maritime patrol aircraft from Boeing in June 2024. Newsweek has contacted the North Korean Embassy in China for comment via email. Why It Matters South Korea, known officially as the Republic of Korea (ROK), hosts about 28,500 U.S. military personnel to deter provocations and attacks from nuclear-armed North Korea as both sides technically remain in a state of war following the conclusion of an armistice—but not a peace treaty—after the Korean War. In addition to developing its nuclear forces, North Korea—under the leadership of Kim Jong Un—has been modernizing its conventional military power, including launching two 5,000-ton destroyers and a missile-armed submarine, as it seeks to establish a "world level" navy. What To Know Citing military officials, Yonhap News Agency of South Korea reported that the country's P-8A maritime patrol aircraft—operated by the navy—began deployment last Thursday following the completion of preparations, including flight exercises and personnel training. The aircraft, also known as Poseidon, is tasked with detecting North Korean submarine fleet, according to South Korean military officials, as it is capable of being armed with sonobuoys and torpedoes, which are designed to detect, identify, track and attack underwater targets. Boeing, which manufactures the aircraft, said an upgrade was being installed on the Poseidon operated by the U.S. Navy, enabling it to counter the world's most advanced submarines. It remains unclear whether the upgrade will also be applied to South Korea's Poseidon fleet. South Korea's navy holding a ceremony to take over a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at the Naval Air Command in Pohang, South Korea, on July 4, 2024. South Korea's navy holding a ceremony to take over a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at the Naval Air Command in Pohang, South Korea, on July 4, 2024. U.S. Forces Korea The Poseidon is also capable of carrying missiles for anti-ship missions. According to the South Korean navy's news release, the Boeing-made aircraft is equipped with a long-range radar, high-resolution imaging and detection equipment, and electronic warfare systems. The P-8A fleet is scheduled to replace the South Korean navy's aging P-3C patrol aircraft, which flies slower and has a shorter range. In late May, one of the P-3C aircraft crashed in the southeastern city of Pohang during a training flight, killing all four crew members. Australia, India and New Zealand are three Indo-Pacific countries that also operate the Poseidon, according to Boeing. What People Are Saying South Korea's navy said in a news release in June 2024: "The procurement of the P-8A will significantly strengthen the ROK Navy's aerial anti-submarine warfare capabilities against North Korean submarines, improve rapid response capabilities in future maritime operations, and expand surveillance capabilities over our waters." Boeing said on its website: "The P-8 Poseidon offers the size, weight, power and cooling capacity to support evolving mission needs, including the integration of additional mission systems to enhance operational versatility. The P-8's open mission systems architecture means rapid, affordable technology insertion for decades of mission readiness." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether South Korea will make an additional purchase of the P-8A aircraft as North Korea continues to expand its navy.
India.com
05-07-2025
- General
- India.com
Big trouble for Xi Jinping! After India, another enemy of China has acquired ‘Sea Hunter,' armed with anti-ship guided missiles, has cheetah-like speed; it is…, country is…
Following India, another enemy of China has secured the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, more widely known as the 'submarine killer.' Well, it is none other than South Korea. South Korea becomes the fourth country in the Indo-Pacific to operate the P-8 Poseidon. Australia and New Zealand, in addition to India, have already been operating this advanced surveillance aircraft. With the acquisition of the P-8 Poseidon, South Korea will enhance its surveillance capabilities and monitoring of the Chinese and North Korean navies. For the unversed, China operates the largest navy in the world in terms of quantity. Meanwhile, North Korea has been expanding its navy on the waters too. Which country has acquired P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft? Earlier on July 3, the Republic of Korea Navy (South Korean Navy) officially began operating its squadron of P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, as per a report by Yonhap News Agency. South Korea received all six aircraft from Boeing by June 2024, which was followed by a year-long training period for pilots and mechanics, which included flight training. With the training completed, all six aircraft are now deemed operationally ready to perform maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-ship operations. With threats rising from North Korea, South Korea purchased the P-8A Poseidon aircraft to transition from its aging fleet of P-3 patrol planes. The P-8A offers superior performance, a higher maximum speed, and superior operational range compared to the P-3. The P-8A is recognized worldwide as the best 'submarine hunter' and has the capability to conduct critical missions such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, and maritime reconnaissance with a high degree of efficiency. According to the Yonhap News Agency, the P-8A Poseidon can fly at a maximum speed of 907 kilometers per hour and is considerably faster than the P-3's maximum speed of 749 kph. The aircraft is capable of, operating a wide array of weapons (anti-ship guided missiles and torpedoes). Thus, it can strike surface targets and submarines. Importantly, the P-8A Poseidon can deploy about 120 sonobuoys to detect, identify and track enemy submarines and, thus, provides enormous anti-submarine warfare capability. During the aircraft's induction last year, former South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik boldly stated that the P-8A Poseidon will turn enemy submarines into scrap. For them, the sea will become a living hell. South Korea plans to field the aircraft to closely observe its main security concern, North Korea, as well as the growing strategic challenge of China. Several other Indo-Pacific states, India, Australia, and New Zealand, have also purchased the P-8A Poseidon from the U.S. to upgrade their surveillance capacity and response, amid the growing military assertiveness of China in the region. India has utilized these aircraft for the observation of Chinese activity. In addition to maritime surveillance aircraft, P-8I aircraft have been used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions on land. For instance, Indian authorities used the P-8I during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and in the 2017 Doklam standoff to monitor Chinese troop movements. Going by the media reports, the P-8I provided near real-time images and data of Chinese military movements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Beyond bilateral responsibilities, P-8 operators are increasing their cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. In crisis, these nations utilize their intelligence sharing to link mutual capabilities and ensure collective knowledge on their respective capabilities.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Reveals Fighter Jets Expelled Foreign Military Aircraft
Chinese state media released undated footage on Sunday saying the country's fighter jets had "expelled" foreign military aircraft that approached the East Asian power's airspace. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Close aerial encounters between Chinese and foreign militaries are not uncommon as the United States and its allies and partners have deployed various types of aircraft to monitor China's military activities both near its coastline and farther out into the western Pacific. This was not the first time Chinese state media released footage of such incidents. In April, China Central Television aired a documentary that appeared to show a close encounter between Chinese and American fighter jets launched from their respective aircraft carriers. While aerial intercepts are intended to prevent airspace violations, such maneuvers can lead to midair collisions if executed in an unsafe or unprofessional manner. In 2001, a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided near China, resulting in the death of a Chinese pilot. According to China Central Television, a pair of Chinese J-16 fighter jets intercepted a foreign aircraft that was accused of breaching China's territorial sea boundary, which extends 13.8 miles from the coastline under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In the aired footage, a Chinese fighter jet was seen flying both behind and alongside the foreign aircraft at the same altitude. The fighter jet later released flares as the Chinese side issued a radio warning, urging the target to "leave immediately or bear the consequences." It was not clear whether the "consequences" mentioned by the Chinese military referred to the possibility of firing shots if the aircraft entered China's airspace over its territorial waters. While the exact date and location of the incident, as well as the identity of the foreign aircraft, remain unknown, the report-citing a military expert-mentioned that three types of Chinese fighter jets, including the J-16, can expel the U.S.-made P-8A patrol aircraft. A similar incident occurred in February over the South China Sea when Chinese J-16 fighter jets intercepted an Australian P-8A patrol aircraft during a surveillance mission. At the time, the Australian military said its aircraft was flying in international airspace, describing the aerial encounter as an "unsafe and unprofessional interaction." In response, China's Foreign Ministry accused the Australian aircraft of intruding into Chinese airspace. China has asserted sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, with claims that overlap those of neighboring countries, including the Philippines-a U.S. mutual defense treaty ally. Chinese air force aviation brigade member Zhang Zhanfang told China Central Television: "The foreign aircraft flew over at a low altitude, not very disciplined, almost at a vertical 90 degrees, breaching our territorial sea line." Chinese military affair expert Cao Weidong told China Central Television: "Our aircraft can fly parallel to the foreign aircraft, and if it moves closer inward, we can approach, warn and drive it away. And if it enters our territorial sea and airspace, that's a different matter." Close encounters between Chinese and foreign military aircraft and vessels are likely to continue as tensions in the South China Sea and across the Taiwan Strait remain high. Related Articles Who Will Be Next Dalai Lama? Tibetan Leader Set To Detail SuccessionChina's Rival Receives Anti-Ship Boost From USChina Research Ship Spotted on NATO's DoorstepTrump to Announce 'Wealthy' TikTok Buyer Group in Two Weeks 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Newsweek
China Reveals Fighter Jets Expelled Foreign Military Aircraft
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chinese state media released undated footage on Sunday saying the country's fighter jets had "expelled" foreign military aircraft that approached the East Asian power's airspace. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters Close aerial encounters between Chinese and foreign militaries are not uncommon as the United States and its allies and partners have deployed various types of aircraft to monitor China's military activities both near its coastline and farther out into the western Pacific. This was not the first time Chinese state media released footage of such incidents. In April, China Central Television aired a documentary that appeared to show a close encounter between Chinese and American fighter jets launched from their respective aircraft carriers. While aerial intercepts are intended to prevent airspace violations, such maneuvers can lead to midair collisions if executed in an unsafe or unprofessional manner. In 2001, a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided near China, resulting in the death of a Chinese pilot. What To Know According to China Central Television, a pair of Chinese J-16 fighter jets intercepted a foreign aircraft that was accused of breaching China's territorial sea boundary, which extends 13.8 miles from the coastline under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The China Central Television (CCTV) disclosed the full footage on Sunday showing how Chinese military dispatched two J-16 fighter jets to warn and expel a foreign aircraft for breaching China's territorial sea boundary. Following China's lawful and regulated handling of the… — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 29, 2025 In the aired footage, a Chinese fighter jet was seen flying both behind and alongside the foreign aircraft at the same altitude. The fighter jet later released flares as the Chinese side issued a radio warning, urging the target to "leave immediately or bear the consequences." It was not clear whether the "consequences" mentioned by the Chinese military referred to the possibility of firing shots if the aircraft entered China's airspace over its territorial waters. While the exact date and location of the incident, as well as the identity of the foreign aircraft, remain unknown, the report—citing a military expert—mentioned that three types of Chinese fighter jets, including the J-16, can expel the U.S.-made P-8A patrol aircraft. A similar incident occurred in February over the South China Sea when Chinese J-16 fighter jets intercepted an Australian P-8A patrol aircraft during a surveillance mission. At the time, the Australian military said its aircraft was flying in international airspace, describing the aerial encounter as an "unsafe and unprofessional interaction." In response, China's Foreign Ministry accused the Australian aircraft of intruding into Chinese airspace. In this photo taken from footage released by China Central Television on June 29, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet, right, intercepts a foreign military aircraft over an undisclosed location. In this photo taken from footage released by China Central Television on June 29, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet, right, intercepts a foreign military aircraft over an undisclosed location. China Central Television China has asserted sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, with claims that overlap those of neighboring countries, including the Philippines—a U.S. mutual defense treaty ally. What People Are Saying Chinese air force aviation brigade member Zhang Zhanfang told China Central Television: "The foreign aircraft flew over at a low altitude, not very disciplined, almost at a vertical 90 degrees, breaching our territorial sea line." Chinese military affair expert Cao Weidong told China Central Television: "Our aircraft can fly parallel to the foreign aircraft, and if it moves closer inward, we can approach, warn and drive it away. And if it enters our territorial sea and airspace, that's a different matter." What Happens Next Close encounters between Chinese and foreign military aircraft and vessels are likely to continue as tensions in the South China Sea and across the Taiwan Strait remain high.
