The ninth and final Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft – ZP809 – has been delivered to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

The Royal Air Force has formally declared an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of its brand-new Poseidon MRA Mk1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The UK’s Poseidon fleet, currently comprising of two aircraft with seven more to be delivered, strengthens our maritime security, helping to protect our people and our interests, at home and overseas.

The RAF’s new submarine-hunting Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) has touched down for the first time in the UK. The aircraft is the first of a new £3 billion programme, including the purchase of nine state-of-the-art Poseidon jets, which will improve the UK’s ability to track hostile targets below and above the waves.

Boeing delivered the first of nine Poseidon MRA Mk1 (P-8A) to the Royal Air Force's 120 Squadron during a ceremony held October 29 in Seattle.

The first of nine maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) on order for the Royal Air Force has taken to the skies. The flight of the Poseidon MRA Mk1 (P-8A) was completed successfully at the hands of Boeing test pilots.

According to pictures released on Boeing UK & Ireland Twitter account, the first Poseidon MRA Mk.1 (P-8A) Maritime Patrol Aircraft being built for the RAF is now painted and undergoing pre-flight preparations for its maiden flight.