Airbus Unveils A321 MPA: Answer To Boeing's P-8A Poseidon

[@afb2]

If it's based on the XLR I would assume it has more range than the P - 8. Will be interesting to see this in action.

[@FanRailer]

@@gamm8939lmao did you even watch the video?

[@karakarakiri9568]

And the bomb bay is insanely big compared to a P-8.

[@afb2]

@@FanRailer thank you lmao

[@dinosaure_jr4595]

Sad thing Germany just ordered p8’s

[@WorldTravelA320]

​@@dinosaure_jr4595no its a smart thing. You want the product already out there, not the one that is just a model

[@jamesbambury]

Kind of shocked they went after the P8 market and not the E7 first, it’s less established and more likely bigger as the USA needs that aircraft as well as Europe in the near future.

[@Clickworker101]

Yeah but Europe can also use buisness jets for e7

[@ser43_OLDC]

India is developing a variant of the a321 AEW&C with the help of the Spanish company Indra. Indra has close ties with Airbus, as it is the main supplier of electronic systems to the Spanish air force, which mainly uses Airbus aircraft. So in the future they will have a p8 and e7 counterpart

[@viveksawhney5691]

The E7 was pretty recently procured for the USAF. Most likely, there were updates to the E-7 configuration before the latest orders by the USAF. The P8 though is probably quite similar to those coming off the line in 2009. If I had to guess, I'd say Airbus is targeting the aircraft more in need of replacement. Moreover, most E3 customers will probably buy the E7 if they haven't already, while the P8 probably fills a relatively new need for many potential customers.

[@rhino5681]

E7's were proposed in 1996, built in 2004 and deployed from 2012 onwards, P8s were proposed in 2000, first built in 2009 and deployed from 2013 onwards. That would make the E7 more established in time than the P8. The P8 obviously is an order of magnitude more common, seeing as there is 178 of them versus 14 E7s (albeit there are 1 E7 in testing, 4 more are in production and ~36 more on order[4 for Korea, about 26 for the US and 6 for NATO]).

[@skeppo5586]

The E-7 is a early warning command and control aircraft. This specific market has already many different types of aircraft such as the EL/W-2085, NETRA, Global eye, and E2D plus the systems which are not being produced anymore such as the E2C E-767 and A-50 (i think). The p-8s markets has less jets in competition and is probably easier to develop aswell.

[@Plab1402]

I think Boeing has a monopoly here just because it's been going on for such a long time, airbus might break it, but it will take a lot of effort

[@d.b.cooper1]

Also helped by being num 1 supplier to the worlds leading customer, whilst historically charging a huge premium.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Unfortunately a bunch of European customers just signed for p8's... But yeah, Airbus will take the entire market sooner or later. They're simply better than boeing at airplanes. They even won the US tanker tender but boeing sued for some bs reason and actually won, but we all know it was just protectionism. The US navy even has to buy European frigates because their own designs sucked but as it turns out their domestic ship yards couldn't even realise their own modifications to the ita/fra design. Total fail and waaay over budget 😂 US defense industry isn't what it used to be, that's for sure...

[@gerhardma4687]

Boeing once had a monopoly in the entire passenger aviation industry. It took a while, but this was broken and now there is a duopoly with other smaller competitors. Boeing still has a knowledge advantage in this area, but it is not unassailable. And it's always good to have a choice

[@thecommentaryking]

​@@mysterioanonymous3206Italy has yet to officially sign any agreement for its Air Force next armed MPA, as the current P-72A are not equipped for mounting weapons. If Airbus is fast enough it could in theory enter the competition

[@chippyjohn1]

Boeing hasn't been the leader for a long time. Space x is the only area the US is doing well.

[@manuelatreide]

From a European point of view, the Airbus initiative is promising. First, it is based on a platform that will stay relevant for decades whereas the 737 platform is at the end of its life and potential. The P8 Orion will not get as many upgrades as the A321 MPA would. Also the maintenance cost will be lower and get even lower as the number of 737-800 decrease. And the fuel efficiency is definitely a great argument. Second point, from a political perspective, European countries have to increase their own Defence capabilities as it is clear now that the USA will disengage from the European continent. As our armies have to get stronger, we also need to develop our own industries in order to gain a better return on investment. We cannot go on buying US military equipments and subsidize the US military industries. Our money will have to stay in Europe. Last point: it is never stupid to have a variety of suppliers, especially in military assets.

[@chrisg9627]

I agree.

[@planespottingwithabdullah]

Airbus fans

[@manuelatreide]

@@planespottingwithabdullah this counter-argument is… actually counter-argumenting nothing.

[@qtdcanada]

I am assuming from your comment that you don't consider the UK to be European, since UK's first tendency is to buy US-made weapons.

[@gargoyle7863]

But too late for German or Norwegian orders. But the world has a growing need for such airplanes due to current geopolitics. Both, Airbus and Boeing will find their customers.

[@Clickworker101]

Longer patrol time sounds good

[@samalexzander924]

What about the crew just imagine being on a petrol mission for 10hr straight would you like to increase it ?

[@Clickworker101]

@ it’s the same. Just more sortabler refills

[@karakarakiri9568]

@@samalexzander924 They say they have accomodations for a multiple crew, so some can sleep or relax while other crew the plane, since it's a pretty big plane they make full use of it.

[@ronaldv_tm]

With the US heading towards isolationism, it is probably a good idea for Europe to invest on their own platforms. Europe already knows how to build aircraft, now it needs to build them in larger quantities, as to avoid the mistakes like those that were made in spares support when selling NH90s overseas.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

A321 has massive success in the commercial market so this is a proven, mature aircraft and it already has scale for production and maintenance. Unlike the nh90 which was brand new which always takes time and improvements to mature. F35 had problems. F16. Blackhawk. V22. They all do. Until they don't.

[@peteregan3862]

These specs tell a range story that will convince many navies to go A321MPA --- Max 7, 80T MTOW, 3800 NM --- Max 10, 90T MTOW, 3100 NM --- A321 XLR, 101T MTOW, 4700 NM --- A321 XLR MPA, 101 T MTOW, 5,000+ NM for lighter equipped versions - Australia would love this given the ocean we need to patrol and the Qantas orders for the A321 XLR that will fatten the spare parts list in Australia.

[@joriss5]

Falcon 10X : 52T, 7500 NM but the doesn't seem to be space for a weapons bay, and external loads would reduce the range (which may already be reduced to not exceed the max weight), so maybe the A321 offers a better performance.

[@peterfinn6098]

Don’t they already operate the P8’s?

[@paulsteaven]

Weird that Airbus only released a P-8 competitor this late. They should've done this almost at the same time like Boeing did before the latter snatched the majority of former P-3 users chose the P-8. I don't know if there are other potential users of heavy MPA, but Airbus should also focus on marketing their C295MPA/Persuader as it has more potential than this new MPA concept. They should also develop an E-7 like AEW&C that is using the same A321 as a competitor just in case.

[@joriss5]

They have been offering an A319 or A320 based MPA for years, but didn't commit too much money into developing them I think, and didn't win any orders.

[@IanMurphy-tl3zr]

Nah, European technology is always 50 years behind American technology…

[@JohnMckeown-dl2cl]

It looks like a larger airframe that can accommodate numerous future upgrades and possibly different future missions. Airbus might experience on problem in that most of the potential customers are already operating or have ordered the P-8. They are a bit late to the game.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

It's just a future market entry. Since most countries already ordered the Poseidon since there aren't really any alternatives available on the market, there won't be many new orderes in the next 20 years. So this is just Airbus getting some operational expereince in the field to compete with their next model when the next round of replacements takes place.

[@gerdmeyer1601]

Simply: Too late! A lot of Navies have to replace their sea patrol aircraft because of age and Boing has an offer for that. No chance to get the contract of the US Navy, but all the others? The UK build also parts of the Airbus, so there was a good chance, that the UK would have choosen Airbus over Boing, if there was an offer from Airbus. The same with Germany. A lot of missed chances.

[@joriss5]

Germany HAD the chance, they ditched (without even telling it) the franco-german program that would most probably have ended in a binational program using an Airbus airframe to buy P-8s off the shelf.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

@@joriss5 The P-8 is a proven system. The U.S. Navy has already worked most of the teething issues out of the program and they can be delivered in a reasonable time frame.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

@@joriss5 Germany couldn'tafford to wait. Still lots of Maritime Patrol aircraft to come around the world.

[@tobiwan001]

Boeing had the P-8 ready when everybody needed new MPAs. That’s why they got Australia and the UK and also Germany could not wait any longer. The A321 MPA is quite big and capable. So this might be a great but expensive option. That’s why I think France might go for the Dassault variant. But I don’t know their requirements.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

France always goes for French products. Always. But Airbus has massive scale on their a320/321 design so they bring a commercial scale. That should be unbeatable in terms of cost and maintainability.

[@tobiwan001]

@ so do most other countries. The US went for the terrible Boeing tanker - worse and more expensive than the 330 MRTT that was sold everywhere.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

@@tobiwan001 Airbus won the US tanker tender initially but boeing sued and ended up winning, aka had the decision overturned by a court... 😂 The US navy also bought ita/fra frigates (FREMM). Produced in the US with modifications. The design changes caused a lot of problems and they went over budget like crazy 😂 Basically a total fail (the program was supposed to be cost effective, proven solution after all the debacle they had with lcs and zumwalt). US defense industry isn't what it used to be!

[@tobiwan001]

@ as far as I recall, Boeing never got the tender overturned on court, but by lobbying the US government. Considering Airbus already had sold an almost identical tanker to roughly 10 countries while Boeing was still in early stages of development, just shows that this was just protectionism.

[@abe000torte]

@@mysterioanonymous3206 Airbus is partly french and french airforce bought the A330 tanker

[@AlexRoivas]

Airbus should have done this years ago and they would have taken a ton of the Poseidon sales.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

100%. All the European ones for sure. Plus some.

[@KarlKarpfen]

Germany bought the P-8 just because Airbus took too long. Germany was in a program with France to acquire the Airbus MPA together.

[@karakarakiri9568]

​@@KarlKarpfen No. Airbus didn't took so long. The french were waiting for the germans to move forward on the program but they never did and even ended up buying P-8 without officially leaving the program. So, after that, kind of a betrayal, France launched the program alone and it took less than 2 years for Dassault and Airbus to present each a new plane for say program.

[@Hurricane2k8]

@@karakarakiri9568 surely there are different narratives at play here. Germany said they bought the P-8 because the MPA program wasn't moving anywhere, certainly not fast enough. I'm pretty sure it would have been the preferred option because Germany, just like France, has a huge stake in Airbus.

[@gawddamnnotthisagain]

It's much too late for that, I think. If we go by previous life cycles, those P-8As will be flying well into the 2050's. The only reason this programme exists is Paris' anger at Berlin for having gone solo. And one thing is for certain, the P-8A being dubbed an "interim solution" by Germany is nonsense. They've already increased their order by 3 aircraft in the meantime, there's a rumour afoot they might buy another 4, and they're already looking at a drone to complement and eventually supplant the P-8A.

[@duffman5z]

The french are just butthurt. Germany couldn't wait any longer and the french offer for an interim solution (4x Atlantique 2) was a joke. Germany even managed to sell its old P3 and it isn't unrealistic to sell a bunch of modern P8.

[@texasranger24]

Yes this is slightly better than the P8 if the price is right and there are no delays or cost overruns. However, with most countries already having the P8 or having P8 on order, this is too little too late. Also, the P8 can carry Harpoon/Slam-Er missiles. Something that Airbus should add. Doesn't matter if Harpoon, Exocet or NSM.

[@derekcaan7686]

Given the highly popular level of backlog that the A320 family has on the commercial side, would airbus create a parallel assembly / manufacturing line for this MPA version?

[@MrSchwabentier]

no, they would just squeze some in between. They won't built more than 5 per year anyways. And there are always some slots that get vacant due to cancellations or airlines going bankrupt

[@andrewreynolds4949]

At present I suspect it’s a wash, or the P-8 has a minor advantage due to its proliferation. However, with time and as the new Airbus model gains service experience and significantly better engines, it will surpass the P-8 eventually unless Boeing does something to keep up, which could be difficult on the venerable 737 platform

[@longnightsofsolace4010]

The fundamental problem is that a lot of P3 operators have already upgraded to the p8 or other solutions p1/atr72mp etc. Having something actually available helps. This is just a concept and won't be available till the 2030's. Had this been announced a decade ago, Germany and Canada would've definitely considered it.

[@Georgejoseph74]

at last..its time Airbus came up with something rival

[@UncleFester84]

It would make sense to make both a marittime and awacs versions.

[@Tina-d8f]

All very interesting. Only thing left to do is find customers.

[@MrSchwabentier]

well they have France now. That's why the make it now. The proposal had been on the table for a long time but they're obviously not heading into such a niche market with no customers at all

[@AnotherPointOfView944]

My wife and I will buy a couple of them.

[@Ahmed-ee6wj]

I’m sure the gulf arab states will happily buy some.

[@giaphucnguyen3747]

Can’t wait to see the AWACS verson of the airbus A321

[@ser43_OLDC]

It is already being developed by the Indian airforce and the spanish company Indra

[@abingdonboy]

@@ser43_OLDCwhat part is Indra playing in it? The AEW antenna will be Indian and the conversion work will be done in India I assume working closely with the OEM Airbus, j have seen Spain is involved I’m just not sure how. It makes more sense they are involved in created the MPA version of the C295 with India

[@ser43_OLDC]

@@abingdonboy The c295MPA is a old design that had been in service with other air forces before the Indians. The Indian c295 mpa only differs with the original c295MPA, in the language of the systems and the place where the plane is going to be built The part of Indra in the 321AEW is guiding and helping with the integration and design of the radar and EW systems. Also teaching the future technicians of the systems. The Airbus part that is going to work in the program (like the Indian c295) is the Spanish part. Getafe. Similar to the c295 that will take part in the plant of Sevilla

[@abingdonboy]

@ yes valid, they are mostly just swapping the C295 MPA’s systems for Indian versions and not creating an entire new system like for the AEW Getafe?

[@ser43_OLDC]

@@abingdonboy i recomed you to search a term if you don't know. Getafe is a city south of Madrid where the most important Airbus factory in Spain is. And it is also one of the most important factories of Airburs. That factory exclusively makes the conversion of all a300's to MRTT, and will be the factory that will convert the a321 to AEW

[@stradivarioushardhiantz5179]

Bulky belly to hold missiles

[@jeppegeer]

While the P-8 is already available, Choosing to develop a similar platform makes sense, if you consider the political instability of the U.S. foreign policy we've seen over the last decade.

[@golf94srm]

[@ricahrdb]

It is a shame that Airbus enters this market so late. The A321 MPA sounds like a very attractive concept but it seems like all the important potential customers have already invested in the P8.

[@simonallen6427]

Why is Airbus always behind the curve when it comes to the Military Aircraft and has to play catchup to Boeing?

[@IanMurphy-tl3zr]

Because the French always copy the Americans…

[@fafileblond9202]

Airbus A320 's have an ECAM for decades and Boeing can't offer an EICAS to his customers on the Max, people say. Security is the best game changer today

[@aadvantagegold5220]

The P-8A has an EICAS. Airlines didn't want it for type rating reasons.

[@biggreencam]

need to have wing options for weapons

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

I think the p8 has quite the constraint in carrying weapons on the wing pylons - that's a 2.5t max (I think?). Meaning it can't carry the latest longer range weapons. If the Airbus internal bay has a higher capacity for the heavier, 5m/6m class weapons it wins hands down.

[@peterfinn6098]

The project has been going on and off since 15 years using the A320 as a basis. To be honest the P8 has taken a considerable amount of the market already replacing former ASW and MPA, what is left for this platform? Few old French, German and Spanish assets perhaps but is the programme going to be profitable for them too.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

The Germans are buying the P-8A.

[@antoniogomespereira6667]

There's already a A319 MPA. Don't know if it was considered by anyone.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

Never was seriously considered.

[@echomande4395]

At a guess, Airbus is trialing this because France might be looking to replace their ATL2 aircraft. In addition there are actually a number of countries that operate P-3 Orions or derivatives (Canada) which are getting long in the tooth or that are operating other turboprop MP aircraft and might want something faster. I think that the lack of underwing hardpoints may be something Airbus may reconsider. An airliner airframe with a good bomb bay is an aircraft that might have quite a few uses beyond maritime patrol. I can see it being used to deploy drone swarms for instance and the ability to carry some long range missiles underwing would be a plus for long range missions since it probably outranges most strike aircraft. An AEW variant might show up in due course. The market for those is likely smaller and quite a few countries are using AEW aircraft derived from business jets and turboprops. Better to get the airframe done for a mission profile there is a market for and then modify that.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

Canada's already going for the P-8A (though Bombardier is trying to stop it with a lawsuit)

[@christopherkozal7987]

Nothing wrong with competition but it’s hard to beat 737 wedge/p-8. They’re extremely rugged & reliable platforms

[@2ebarman]

Right, perhaps the only aircraft type in the world that could manage that is ... the A320 series

[@leneanderthalien]

The 737 are totaly obsolete and unadapted to moden engines: whe see the heawy problems with the max versions who use modern engines

[@WorldTravelA320]

​@leneanderthalien the E-7 and P-8 are based on the 737 NG series, NOT the Max. Meaning the engines are damn near bullet proof. And spare parts are plentiful.

[@flamobscurfr]

A321 MPA will not exist if France doesn't ask to aribus to devlop it

[@harcık368]

I wonder why Germany chooses Boeing instead of European made Airbus. Is it still American occupied?

[@gerhardma4687]

It will be several years before Airbus has finished developing the aircraft and has it on the runway. Probably even a decade. Germany urgently needed a replacement and Boeing has a finished product. It's as simple as that. And by the way, Germany is sovereign and can procure wherever it wants. That's why it has Eurofighters, A400s, Airbus Helicopters and F35s in the pipeline. Knowledge is power..

[@aadvantagegold5220]

Germany got fed up with waiting on Airbus. Boeing has a solution that's ready to go off the shelf and supported by the U.S. (with the economies of scale that the Americans bring - the Europeans just won't be able to match it).

[@IanMurphy-tl3zr]

Germany is tired of buying that French crap like the Eurocopter Tiger garbage…

[@gerhardma4687]

@@IanMurphy-tl3zr Eurocopter is not french. It's european like Airbus. Knowledge is power. You just showed that you have none of it. And Germany bougt the Boeing because the Airbus is still a study and will last a few years and Germany needs a availabel option. Otherwise Boeing would have had no chance becaus Airbus is better in every respect. The Boeing tanker is crap and the 737 max too.

[@gerhardma4687]

@@aadvantagegold5220 hahaha, what a nonsese. Boeing was the choice because the product was available more quickly. Airbus has a different list of priorities and military projects are priority 3 for the Europeans, not so in the USA. The country, which has a larger military budget than the following 30 countries combined, is obsessed with everything to do with weapons and the military. Without the military projects, Boeing would probably already be history with the gigantic losses it has made in the passenger aircraft sector in recent years. And not every military project is also technically good and. See the tanker that has been causing major problems for years.

[@Ghfvhvfg]

Wmoder jet reyable this is gonna be loved a lot by crews

[@alicelund147]

USA's new isolationist politics will make non-US alternatives more attractive.

[@TheLiamster]

Isolationist is an extreme statement. The US has been and always will be a global superpower and that won’t change regardless of politics unless some major calamity happens. Defence contractors will still be allowed to trade with allies. Trump supports arms sales and he wouldn’t jeopardise that

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

very funny how will politics affect planes? as if''oh,that plane is stronger and safer and cheaper,but lets not buy it becuase donald trump is running the country''

[@taylorham4life]

You have fun with your wanna be P8

[@adrien5834]

@@taylorham4life Hello, Boeing fan. In truth, Boeing wishes it could be Airbus.

[@Kingzombiemyanmar]

@@adrien5834 russian bear is coming lets see who survives the bear boeing or airbus

[@julienboyer]

If the A321MPA happens to be ITAR free as it should, it would be a big advantage.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

With how much of the western world's weapons and avionics and what not being developed in part or fully by the U.S., I can guarantee it's not gonna be ITAR-free.

[@kinai01]

Anybody else from Europe or anywhere else around the world all of this is a moot point because Boeing will win the contract. It is unfortunate but Boeing in the United States has a pretty big stranglehold on military contracts. As a US Air Force veteran I personally would have preferred for the A330 MRTT to win the bid back in 2011 it was better in many aspects but the Air force went for Boeing, because its a Domestic company and because of The Pawer of Lobby

[@bruteforce_programmer4942]

Why don't they modify A220/C Series

[@MrSchwabentier]

too small

[@aarongonzalez952]

Because it’s not made in Europe, it’s made in Mirable, Canada and in Mobile, USA

[@soccerguy2433]

it's a big ocean to patrol.... or if its hunting the coasts endurance is important (especially as its currently depicted with no air refueling capability)

[@glennridsdale577]

Sadly for Airbus there simply isn’t a market for this. If the French government will fund its development it would be an excellent platform, but the cost will be eye watering.

[@jeremymazon6437]

Germany has 4 Airbus assembly line, France has 3! The real question is why Germany didn't play the EU card right from the beginning!

[@hughofIreland]

It will never sell on Mars.

[@gerhardma4687]

Perhaps you should have your mental state checked. Too many strange comments here.

[@hughofIreland]

@ You’re a peculiar person.

[@gerhardma4687]

@@hughofIreland This is written by the person who is just spouting nonsense here. you have a massively distorted perception. You should urgently get a mental check-up.

[@chrisg9627]

Airbus have had Boeing on the defensive for close to a decade, and intend to capitalise on this. Now with the potential for an anti NATO stance of one particular individual very much on the horizon, reduced reliance on that country’s military product will become increasingly desirable from a tactical, technological and military point of view.

[@aadvantagegold5220]

I would argue that Mr. Trump's stance isn't inherently anti-NATO, it's that the U.S. shouldn't be the only one funding NATO. The Europeans need to do their fair share of the lifting (meaning, spending more money on their defense) and this aircraft helps them (particularly the French) complete this objective. Simply put, Europe isn't leaving the U.S. sphere of influence any time soon... or they'll get steamrolled by the Russians.

[@Emanuel-t5e]

@@aadvantagegold5220 USA can't be trusted anymore.

[@mrmarecki1]

Wouldn't militaries prefer smaller but more maneuverable and/or stealthy aircraft? If it's anything like a regular A321 it will be a sitting duck for any ship that can return fire, maybe even small boat with AK47 on board could pose a danger.

[@MrSchwabentier]

but what is smaller and more maneuverable? A small business Jet? Not enough space inside and not enough capabilities for weapons. In the end these type of planes will always be vulnerable. Just like AWACS for example are.

[@charlesjay8818]

As it clearly states, it's a Maritime Patrol Aircraft, these types of aircrafts don't engage in combat like a fighter. As for a AK47 posing a treat??? hahahaha c'mon the MPA will never fly that low for an AK47 to be a threat.

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

it wont need to manouver.which is cool,becuase airbus cannot handle manouvering.

[@soccerguy2433]

an AK47 can't hit a plane at several thousand feet. The maximum effective range is approximately 150 meters for an AK47.

[@soccerguy2433]

@@thetruthbehindplanes airbus can adjust the limits of the protection envelope. It's just code.

[@Friendlyboxer]

Will this platform have the M3A (Modular Multi-Mission Aircraft) incorporated in. Also the main customers have already invested in P-8, why this ? Promoting A320neo M3A (Modular Multi-Mission Aircraft) would have been much more viable. One customer could have been Pakistan navy but the French govt have this ambiguous stance of not selling any military equipment to Pakistan. The later in return invested in 9 Lineage 1000E will become the Pakistan Navy ‘Sea Sultan’ jet-powered LR-MPA, designed specifically for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) as well as ISR, ASuW, ELINT, ESM, C2 and SAR. Presently being modified in Italy by Leonardo and South Africa’s Paramount Group.

[@eliomarlacerda6943]

It just came too late

[@marcom2248]

The US will NEVER buy any Airbus plane.

[@MrSchwabentier]

well, they bought Airbus helicopters, so it isn't out of the possibilities. But yes, very unlikely

[@adrien5834]

Good point. Maybe Europeans should never buy any Boeing products.

[@eddiecharles6457]

Talking about the platform and entirely missing the point. It’s about what the performance of the sensors and weapons they will be equipped with. You’re not flying passengers here dear sir.

[@joriss5]

The platforms is important for endurance (at specific patrol altitude) and weapons capacity.

[@avb4805]

Boeing is not a rival anymore for airbus 😂

[@bonelesswatermelon420]

Hell yeah I love the military industrial complex

[@kfx3907]

Boeing needs a serious rivals here.

[@Celestial_Arishem]

Well India needs to go for this platform with necessary modifications instead of converting civilian A321 for AEWAC platforms

[@airbus350800]

I doub't that , the converted civilian A321 would be more cheaper than this & India has already invested on building airstrips on remote indian ocean islands which can facilitate the P8i.

[@Ahmed-ee6wj]

This is not an AWAC platform but a maritime patrol aircraft. AWAC is a completely different requirement

[@Celestial_Arishem]

@@Ahmed-ee6wj well there is a dedicated military variant, just like civilian to AEWAC conversion, this naval model can also be converted to an AEWAC platform

[@bertamus47]

Europe should probably focus on artillery shells.

[@osasunaitor]

​@@toms5996 I fully agree. We Europeans need to be capable of sorting our own stuff without the USA. It's about time we end the dependency we've had since 1945. The new president in the USA should be the perfect excuse to get more serious about it

[@toms5996]

@@osasunaitor The US is weak. Europe has been too long a puppet for the US and their internal monologue only to defend the US and their interests. Europe hasn't needed anyone for a long time. Trans-Atlantic partnership is the basis of the 'Western world' but it might be time for us Europe to start steering the world, once again.

[@artureff3046]

​@@osasunaitorno IT nor private capital interested due to taxation and regulations

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

dont airbus become artilerry shells when automation takes over?

[@qtdcanada]

@@thetruthbehindplanes You will do yourself a big favor by seeing a psychiatrist!

[@nathanlembke9026]

I am doubting that the US will hop in with the A321MPA as they have no Airbus suppliers and AAP doesn’t work on Airbus jets

[@tnickknight]

We in Europe should ONLY be buying them , and not planes from a corrupt competitor. No more American defence equipment!

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

ah,so no more f15,no more f18,no more chinook,no more apache,no more p8s????? that is a recipe for disaster.

[@tnickknight]

@AbdullahNajib-b9z Yes we should be building a better Saab Gripen or Dassault. We can build better, make jobs and profits for Europeans. And not be relying on a vile nation. Our helicopters are already better

[@christopherkozal7987]

lol 😂

[@p4olo537]

Mostly all of Europe is buying US planes 😂

[@Plab1402]

Yep, as swedish we know everything about self-reliant, we should increase production of the Saab jas 39, eurofighter and Rafale, enough relying on the US with everything, especially now that Trump as won

[@chandrachurniyogi8394]

the new KC-46 multi mission mid-air refuelling tanker aircraft should have been based on the stretched B767-300 ER variant of the B767-200 ER & not the latter . . . the bulging aft lower fuselage section of the A321 MPA could have been more streamlined instead of the boxy design . . .

[@soccerguy2433]

that "boxy" design is a cosmetic comment. Function over form. That boxy design creates the required internal volume for weapons and equipment. Lastly, it's pretty streamlined even on that PR display model.

[@icare7151]

The Airbus XLR based MPA with the latest next generation of P&W GTF engines are game changers. Ultra fuel efficient and ultra quiet engines are key for this platform thus the USA military will purchase the MPA as the Boeing Poseidon is based on 1960s 737 and has outdated engines.

[@frutdafruit]

They won't purchase the A321MPA for the same reason that they canceled the KC-45.

[@icare7151]

@ Boeing can’t even deliver the two new 747-800 Air Force Ones to replace the aging 747-200/300s currently in use and the 767 refueling planes which are years behind delivery schedules, over budget and still plagued with quality, performance and delivery issues. The Boeing 737-800 & 900 are plagued with ongoing quality control issues, design defects, years behind delivery schedules and the 737-700 & 1000 variance still have not been certified to move into production, leaving Airlines scrambling for inventory. Boeing is finishing the last of the F18 fighters, permanently ending its decades long production run. Boeing last hope is the nearly all new and greatly improved F15-EX Eagle II, which has become a major strategic cost effective defense and offense platform on many levels. Sadly, it appears Boeing is heading into bankruptcy in their commercial aviation and space divisions. Rumors are indicating Boeings Space division may be sold and/or put on indefinite hold as Boeing can’t afford any further losses.

[@grahamariss2111]

This aircraft shoukd have a short lead time, it is utilising the XLR and the systems are all off the shelf, so France will have a very something a step ahead of P8 operators

[@airbus350800]

Airbus is late in this space but there is hope with the spanish , italian navy and navy;s across south east asia the middle east and latin america.

[@oudloek]

A bit late at the party.

[@AftonAdams]

Yeah, sure mate… it will be another sh!t show like the Airbus Tiger Eurocopter 😂😂😂

[@peteregan3862]

As Boeing falls behind in commercial aircraft, navies will by the P-8 just to keep 'sweet' with the US. I assume Lockheed Martin and other weapons suppliers will happily put their tech on an Airbus A321-XLR MPA

[@Emanuel-t5e]

With Trump threatening Tariffs and threatening NATOs existance, there will be no more point in trying to keep sweet with USA.

[@Clickworker101]

It’s too late

[@TheShowblox]

Airbus can’t break Boeing’s monopoly on the military.

[@Paqza]

Other countries have militaries, not just the US...

[@garryparton553]

@@Paqza The Airbus A400M is a great example. It has only had 4 orders in the past 20 years. The aircraft is a huge money loser. The same will be true for the A321 MPA. There will be a flurry of Eruo orders from France, Spain and Italy (perhaps) and then nothing. The Euro economies do not have the cash to spend on capital intensive military purchases.

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

@@garryparton553 the uk i think is regretting a400.

[@steinwaldmadchen]

@@garryparton553 But A330MRTT has been doing fine.

[@p4olo537]

They can, some countries can't or don't want to buy US planes.

[@GarfieldRex]

Maybe came too late to compete for the global market, but at least will reign in some European powers.

[@krispayne729]

Well, the Canadian Air Force ordered the Bowen P8 poseidon. Butt Canada is on the edge of a terrible board with the United States. So buying a maritime aircraft from airboss in Europe might be an option. Ends with Canada's liberal government. I wouldn't be surprised if the order of. Locky Martin F35 won't be canceled too. If this terrible gets pretty bad.

[@garryferrington811]

Boeing's got some reliability issues. Whatever happened to the two dead whistleblowers?

[@Gamma_Draconis]

Boeing has it's own problems at the moment so..

[@johannessamuelsson6578]

That's mostly the commercial division though. An excessive markup scandal is relatively minor compared to everything that has and hasn't happened to the 737 MAX

[@miraphycs7377]

kawasaki p-1 better than both

[@qtdcanada]

Japan, due to its long-standing policy prohibiting weapons export, is having troubles with marketing made-in-Japan weapons, even if this policy was recently removed. While there is (very likely) little doubt of Japanese quality, potential customers would have concern about technical support. Selling weapons involves a lot of arm-twisting, political pressure, as well as under-table wheeling-dealing, etc. all of which are new to Japan.

[@Jakesullivan2112]

Boeing's Poseidon is state of the art plane, and don't think Airbus is competition in any way.

[@MrSchwabentier]

well the Airbus will have more range and more space inside. So there's that. The weapons will be the same. And for the electronics we don't know yet.

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

@@MrSchwabentier the boeing will be stronger,safer and better manouverability.

[@MrSchwabentier]

@@thetruthbehindplanes ehm no. there is zero indication that that is the case.

[@benmol_]

​@@thetruthbehindplanesHarder, better, faster, stronger... Sorry that's a (French) song, not a plane !

[@Plab1402]

​@@thetruthbehindplanes you mean weaker, dangerous and can barely turn?

[@rickfeng4466]

Canada should buy this, as Boeing mean bad publicity in Canadian aerospace industry due to the loss of the C-series.

[@RVs.imagery]

The problem is timing, our poor old CP-140 Auroras are getting really tired… besides cancelling the order now will cost us a ton likely. That’s exactly what we need more cancellation fines for aircraft we will eventually buy anyways!

[@christopherkozal7987]

Vaporware BS. AB just trying to gauge interest.

[@jojje3000-1]

Boeing has no engineers

[@adrien5834]

But plenty of lawyers and lobbyists.

[@dirkbogarde7796]

Ready in about 15 years. Waste of time.

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

unfortuanately,airbus is too weak for this job!boeing wins again!

[@qtdcanada]

You will do yourself a big favor by seeing a psychiatrist!

[@Plab1402]

Your 11 years old, instead of bitching on the Internet because you can't stop coping that your favorite aircraft manufacturer is falling apart you should start watching videos about math and English, study for that next test, and if you can't do that, then stop being so narcissistic to airbus, what did they do to you? Nothing, airbus and Boeing are competing for the market, not fighting for it, there's a difference, grow up

[@thetruthbehindplanes]

@@Plab1402 umm,actually,im 12 now add that i am best in the class(probably because i dont even play video games) and,im against airbus to stop bias.if airbus pleads guilty to those murdered on flight 587,140,447 and so many other flights,i will obviously stop

[@Plab1402]

@AbdullahNajib-b9z your talking about stopping bias when your the most bias person I've ever seen! Flight 587 wasn't caused by airbus?? Your ridiculous, was caused by heavy rudder input, which is a problem with all planes! Not just airbus, flight 140 was caused by pilot error, since the autopilot wasn't disabled when the pilots tried to manually land, and flight 447 was caused by ice sheet blocking pitot tubes, which caused poor airspeed readings which caused the autopilot to disconnect, NONE of the flights you mentioned was caused by airbus.

[@visionist7]

@@Plab1402 dude he's 12 🤣

[@germangamer2976]

More competition for Boeing is always good.

[@hughofIreland]

You have two spaces between the word is and the adverb always: I need to speak to my therapist. 😢

[@Swatmat]

A Rival to boeing? does that mean it will crash and fall apart very easily too?