American P-8s are about to get more reach and firepower

The US Department of Defense has awarded Boeing a $61.2 million contract for additional High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) systems to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Announced on 2 July, the fully funded contract modification forms part of a broader multi-year procurement agreement and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. All equipment will be delivered exclusively to US naval aviation forces.

HAAWC allows the P-8A to launch Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedoes from high altitude, eliminating the need for low-level deployment manoeuvres that increase airframe stress and fuel consumption.

By enabling stand-off launches from cruising altitude, the system extends the aircraft’s reach while reducing wear and risk.

At the core of the system is the Air Launch Accessory (ALA), a modular wing kit that attaches to the Mk 54 torpedo, providing GPS-aided flight guidance. Once released, the torpedo glides toward a target before entering the water and transitioning to normal homing mode.

According to the contract announcement, Boeing will supply not only the air launch equipment but also materials, hardware, and engineering services to support production. The system is designed to function in both GPS-enabled and GPS-denied environments, offering the P-8A greater operational flexibility across a wider range of mission scenarios.

The P-8A Poseidon, derived from the Boeing 737 airframe, is a cornerstone of US anti-submarine and maritime surveillance capability.

Enhancing it with HAAWC expands the Navy’s ability to detect and engage submerged threats at greater distances, preserving aircraft survivability while improving mission effectiveness.