WASHINGTON – The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of surveillance aircraft to the United Kingdom, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a news release on Friday.

The sale of up to nine of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon planes along with “associated major defense equipment, associated training, and support” is worth $3.2 billion.

The acquisition would allow the UK to reestablish its Maritime Surveillance Aircraft capability, an important part of bilateral security cooperation and enhances the UK’s national defense and NATO operations.

The P-8A Poseidon is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. The aircraft also serves for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as broad-area maritime and littoral operations.

Picture Rob Vogelaar