Italy is currently considering acquiring the Japanese Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to enhance its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Since the retirement of the Breguet Atlantic in 2017, the Italian Air Force has experienced a gap in this area. The Leonardo P-72A aircraft currently in service, based on the ATR 72, are primarily used for surveillance and are inadequately equipped for anti-submarine warfare.
The Kawasaki P-1, a four-engine jet aircraft specifically developed for maritime patrol, entered service with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in 2013. With a range of approximately 8.000 kilometers and extensive sensor suite, including a magnetic anomaly detector, the P-1 is optimized for anti-submarine warfare. It features eight external mooring points for anti-ship missiles, as well as internal weapon bays for torpedoes, mines, or depth charges. Unlike many other maritime patrol aircraft, which are often converted from civilian or transport aircraft, the P-1 was designed from the ground up for its specific mission.
General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, acknowledged the P-1 as a potential option for strengthening Italy's maritime patrol capabilities. He emphasized the close bilateral relations between Italy and Japan, which have been further strengthened through joint defense initiatives such as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This program, which involves Italy and Japan as well as the United Kingdom, paves the way for further cooperation between the Italian and Japanese defense industries.
It is speculated that, under a reciprocal agreement, Japan could consider acquiring Italian M-346 jet trainers to replace its aging Kawasaki T-4 trainers. Such an exchange would be similar to previous agreements in which Italy sold M-346 trainers to Israel in exchange for advanced surveillance systems.
Italy's interest in the Kawasaki P-1 comes at a time when other European nations are also modernizing their maritime patrol capabilities. Germany has opted to acquire the US Boeing P-8 Poseidon, while France is accelerating the development of the Airbus A321 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to replace its aging Atlantique 2 fleet. The A321 MPA, based on the Airbus A321XLR platform, is designed to meet the operational requirements of the French Navy and will be equipped with advanced sensors and systems.
Italy's decision to consider the Kawasaki P-1 could not only strengthen its own defense capabilities, but also deepen cooperation with Japan and reduce dependence on traditional suppliers. At the same time, it would underscore the trend among European countries to modernize their maritime patrol capabilities through international cooperation and the acquisition of specialized aircraft.
The Breguet Atlantic, which served with the German Navy from 1966 to 2010, was originally designed by the NATO Council in 1956 as a unified maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to replace the Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune. Its replacement by modern aircraft such as the Kawasaki P-1 reflects technological advances and changing requirements in maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
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