South Korea has officially kicked off the acquisition phase for six additional maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), jets which will help it expand its coverage beyond the P-8A fleet that the nation already operates. Boeing is in the works to pitch more P-8A Poseidon aircraft, while Embraer is offering up a new Embraer E190-E2 MPA concept and studying a larger C-390 MPA aircraft. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is floating a solution based on the Bombardier Global 6500, which would localize these mission systems and allow the South Korean government to purchase these aircraft from a domestic manufacturer.

A decision is expected in 2026, and the choice will balance near-term readiness (including commonality with existing P-8A models, industrial participation, and affordability over the course

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