Italy explores acquisition of Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft

Italy is evaluating the procurement of Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the needs of the Aeronautica Militare.

This initiative aims to address the nation’s gap in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, which has persisted since the retirement of the Breguet BR 1150 Atlantic fleet in 2017.

Following the decommissioning of the Atlantic aircraft, Italy introduced four Leonardo P-72A aircraft, based on the ATR 72 regional aircraft, as an interim solution. While effective for surveillance missions, these aircraft lack the necessary equipment for ASW operations.

Evaluating the Kawasaki P-1

The Kawasaki P-1, a four-engine jet specifically designed for maritime patrol, entered service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in 2013.

With a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), the P-1 features a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) allows detecting close to any moving metal object underwater. It also offers eight external hardpoints for anti-ship missiles and eight internal bomb bays that can be armed with torpedoes, mines, or depth charges.

Unlike most maritime patrol aircraft, which are usually converted civilian or transport planes, the P-1 was conceived from the ground up, with a unique airframe, engines, and internal systems specifically designed for its mission.

In a hearing at the Italian Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, acknowledged the P-1 as a viable option to enhance Italy’s maritime patrol capabilities.

Goretti emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Italy and Japan, which have been further solidified through collaborative defense initiatives such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), involving Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Goretti highlighted that the GCAP partnership has paved the way for additional collaborations between Italian and Japanese defense industries, nothing that an Italian delegation visited Japan to explore opportunities.

There is speculation about a reciprocal arrangement wherein Japan might consider acquiring Italian M-346 jet trainers to replace its aging Kawasaki T-4 trainers. Such a trade-off would mirror previous deals, like Italy’s sale of M-346 trainers to Israel in exchange for advanced surveillance systems.

European nations in need of modern maritime patrol aircraft

Italy’s consideration of the Kawasaki P-1 comes at a time when other European nations are also modernizing their maritime patrol capabilities.

While Germany opted for the procurement of US-made Boeing P-8 Poseidon, France has initiated the development of the Airbus A321 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to replace its aging Atlantique 2 fleet.

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France selects Airbus A321 MPA to replace Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft

The A321 MPA, based on the Airbus A321XLR platform, is designed to meet the operational requirements of the French Navy, including anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, as well as intelligence gathering. The aircraft will feature advanced sensors and systems, with deliveries expected between 2030 and 2040.The post Italy explores acquisition of Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft appeared first on AeroTime.

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