The United States State Department has approved a proposed $1.75 billion dollar deal with the government of Norway to purchase five P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft. The deal also includes engines, software, radars, missile warning sensors and more. The United States Congress still needs to approve the purchase.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2016 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway for P-8A Aircraft and associated support. The estimated cost is $1.75 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 20, 2016.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability throughout the world. The proposed sale will allow Norway to maintain its Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) capability following retirement of its P-3C MPA. This sale will strengthen collective NATO defense and enhance Norway’s regional and global allied contributions. – Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Watch The P-8A Flight Demo at the Farnborough Airshow 2016

The government of Norway has flown the U.S. produced P-3 Orion for over 40 years. It is expected the P-8A Poseidon will have a service life for Norway of over 30 years and modernize their fleet of patrol aircraft.

The Boeing P-8A Poseidon is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.  A militarized derivative of the commercial 737-800, the P-8A first flew in April 2009. It has a maximum takeoff weight of almost 190,000 pounds, a cruise speed of over 500 mph and a ceiling of 41,000 feet.

Watch a Rare View Inside a P-8A in action

Featured Image of P-8A Poseidon of VP-16 dropping torpedo by US Navy