Item possibly of interest.
You know, claim that ALLLLLL these programs (all built in multiple Congressional districts) will be cut if the budget is cut, and let the Congresscritters sweat about it before "fixing" it.
Be that as it may, we need new aircraft, soonest. The P-3, while a great design, is way beyond its service life, and its airframe is a 1950's design, as are its engines. Much newer, better technology now exists, which is also more reliable and requires less man-hours of "spit n' bailin' wire" to maintain.
Those calling for a restart of the production line (which will NOT happen) are asking for designs to be used that do not incorporate the latest in technology, materials, and efficiency.
Likewise, the UAV idea is nowhere NEAR the level of technology so as to perform all the intricate work involved in modern ASW. You need trained operators to analyze, detect, and track contacts. You need trained, experienced TACCO's and NAV's to set up the tactics and make the calls. UAV's do not have that flexibility.
Bottom line is, the P-3 is costing more and more in maintinence per flight hour to operate. Many have had to be sent to the boneyard due to high-time on the airframes. Fatigue has already forced changes in the way the remaining ones are flown. The planes can scarcely take off anymore without something breaking. It's been years since I've taken off in one without seeing screws and bolts come off on the roll.
If it's not replaced and soon, a crew or two (13 good Sailors) will die. That's reality.