First RAF P-8 assembled

Boeing has completed final assembly of the first P-8A for the Royal Air Force, of an initial batch on order, out of a planned total of nine. A deal covering long-lead components for these first two RAF P-8s was awarded to Boeing on 18 August 2016. The type will be based at RAF Losseimouth, Moray, where it will be flown by Nos 120 and 201 Squadrons, the first aircraft expected to be handed over in 2019 and arrive in the UK the following year.