Boeing, the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force and the United Kingdom Royal Air Force will continue modernising global maritime patrol capabilities through a $2.2 billion contract awarded March 30 for at least 17 P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Boeing explained that the agreement also includes options for 32 additional aircraft, as well as money for long-lead parts for future orders, adding that after exercising all options, the total contract value will be $6.8 billion.

According to Boeing, this comprehensive award reflects a commitment by Boeing and the Navy to achieve pricing and production stability, two keys of successful program performance.

Speaking on the development, the Vice President of Boeing Military Aircraft’s Mobility, Surveillance & Engagement Division and the P-8 Programme Manager, Jamie Burgess said, “The P-8A is a textbook example of Boeing’s commercial derivative expertise. Every day our customers get to fly incredible aircraft that perform exceptionally well and are built by the best of Boeing.”

A breakdown of the deal according to Boeing revealed that the Navy will receive 11 aircraft, while Australia will expand its P-8A fleet with four more, adding that the U.K.’s first two P-8A jets are part of the agreement, with first delivery set for 2019.

Boeing so far has delivered 53 Poseidons to the Navy and two to the Royal Australian Air Force.

Based on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A offers the world’s most advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The U.S. Navy has deployed multiple squadrons around the globe since operations began in 2013, accumulating more than 96,000 flight hours to date.

The Indian Navy currently flies the P-8I variant of the aircraft and they have received eight aircraft to date and in July 2016 signed a contract for four additional P-8Is.