The BAMS programme exists to provide the navy with a global network of five surveillance stations that can maintain a constant surveillance orbit measuring 3,700km (2,000nm) for at least seven days with a minimum of 80% reliability. The aircraft is needed to identify potential maritime targets and cue a manned aircraft, such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft or the Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion - to interdict the target or give it a closer inspection.