India deploys P‑8I maritime patrol aircraft to RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii

India has sent its P‑8I long‑range maritime patrol and anti‑submarine warfare aircraft to Hawaii to take part in the U.S.‑hosted Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, the world’s largest naval war game. The month‑long drill involves about 30 nations, more than 30 warships, five submarines, over 200 aircraft and roughly 30,000 personnel operating around the Hawaiian Islands.

The Indian Navy says the deployment underscores its commitment to a free, open and rules‑based Indo‑Pacific, while enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness and operational cooperation with partner navies, including all three Quad members – the United States, Japan and Australia. India has participated in every RIMPAC since its debut in 2014, and the P‑8I aircraft will conduct surveillance, anti‑submarine missions and coordinated operations with other forces. Earlier in 2026 the Defence Acquisition Council approved six additional P‑8I units, expanding the fleet to 18 to strengthen surveillance across the Indian Ocean amid growing Chinese naval activity.