Korean Navy's P-8A demonstrates submarine-hunting capability at RIMPAC - The Korea Times

A Korea Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft prepares for a joint anti-submarine warfare exercise during the 2026 Rim of the Pacific Exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Monday. Korea Times photo by Bahk Eun-ji

HONOLULU — At 9:54 a.m. Monday, a Republic of Korea Navy P-8A Poseidon roared down the runway at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and climbed over the Pacific, heading toward its assigned patrol area.

Minutes later, a U.S. Navy P-8A lifted off from Kalaeloa Airport, marking the start of another joint anti-submarine warfare mission during this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).

For the Korean Navy, the flight carried added significance.

It marked the Korean Navy’s first RIMPAC deployment of the newly introduced P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and the first time reporters were allowed to observe one of its operational missions while onboard.