After no new buys last fiscal year, the Navy unveiled plans to purchase 12 new P-8A Poseidon aircraft in FY-27, totaling over $4.2 billion, according to recent budget documents.

Plans to increase program funding from just $13 million last year come as the Navy announced today that the aircraft’s Increment 3 Block 2 system has reached initial operational capability.

The P-8A is dedicated to anti-submarine warfare and possesses intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The Increment 3 Block 2 system is meant to enhance these capabilities, as a “high-end, networked and rapidly adaptable platform,” according to a Navy news release.

The P-8A airframe and avionics systems are modified and new airframe racks, radome, antennas, sensors and wiring are added as part of the upgrade. Additionally, a new combat systems suite will provide improved computer processing, a wideband satellite communication system and an ASW signals intelligence capability, according to the release.

“I am extremely proud of the dedicated and focused acquisition team that is delivering this capability to the fleet,” Capt. Erik Thomas, PMA-290 program manager, said. “The P-8A Increment 3 Block 2 modifications could not have come at a better time in our current state of evolving threats. The Poseidon is the cornerstone of sophisticated and lethal global maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces, and this enhanced capability ensures we sustain the core pillar of world-class maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) and remain ready for our current and future fights.”