P-8I Patrol Aircraft

Q Why is it in News ? 

A The US State Department has approved the sale of six P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India.

• The six aircraft will come fitted with encrypted systems, as India has signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) with the US.
• The Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of the aircraft in 2019.

Q What are some key details about P-8I Aircraft ? 

A 

• About the P-8I Aircraft:
  
  
  • It is a long-range maritime reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft.
  • It is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft that Boeing company developed as a replacement for the US Navy’s ageing P-3 fleet.
  • With a maximum speed of 907 kmph and an operating range of over 1,200 nautical miles, the P-8Is detect threats and neutralize them if required, far before they come anywhere near Indian shores.
  • Indian Navy became the first international customer for the P-8 aircraft in 2009.

Q What is COMCASA Agreement ? 

A

• COMCASA Agreement:
  
  • COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) is meant to provide a legal framework for the transfer of communication security equipment from the US to India that would facilitate “interoperability” between their forces — and potentially with other militaries that use US-origin systems for secured data links.
  • It is one of the four foundational agreements that the US signs with allies and close partners to facilitate interoperability between militaries and sale of high end technology.
  • It is an India-specific version of the Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA).

Q Which are Four Foundational Agreements between the US and its Partners ? 

A 

1. General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)
   • GSOMIA allows militaries to share the intelligence gathered by them.
   • Signed by India in 2002.
2. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA):
   • LEMOA allows both countries to have access to each other’s designated military facilities for refueling and replenishment.
   • Signed by India in 2016.
3. Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA)
   • Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) is the India specific version of CISMOA.
   • Signed by India in 2018.
4. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
   • BECA will allow India and US militaries to share geospatial and satellite data with each other.
   • India has signed BECA in 2020.