These Military Vehicles Cost More Than Your House

6. Poseidon P-8A, India

Produced by: Boeing

Principal Users: Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), U.S. Navy, Indian Navy

Program Cost (FY2013): $33.638 billion*

Cost per Unit: $256.5 million* (acquisition expenses for FY2015)

The P-8 Poseidon, originally known as the Multimission Maritime Aircraft, is a specialized variant of the Boeing 737-800ERX. This advanced aircraft serves as a critical asset for several air forces, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), U.S. Navy, and Indian Navy.

Designed for a multitude of roles, the P-8 Poseidon excels in interdiction, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare, making it a versatile platform for maritime operations. With a total program cost of $33.638 billion as of FY2013 and a unit cost of approximately $256.5 million for acquisition expenses in FY2015, the P-8 Poseidon underscores the significant investment in modern naval aviation capabilities.

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P-8A Poseidon (India) The P-8 is equipped with torpedoes, glide bombs (which can drop a bomb from up to 30,000 feet), and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. It also has a HAAWC ALA that can convert a Mark 54 torpedo into a glide bomb. Both the avionics and the armaments of the P-8 are better than those of the P-3. It also provides a more tranquil flight with reduced turbulence and emissions. Among the P-8A Poseidon's derivatives is a modified P-8, which was intended to take the place of the E-8s. The U.S. would utilize the derivative. The Air Force would be equipped with SAR, GMTI, and AESA radar. Additionally, it would be equipped with a radar pod that would keep the engine nacelles out of its field of view.