Boeing is pushing production on an initial contract worth $3.9 billion to build five test planes, the Seattle Times reported Thursday. After that, it will build three more test planes before proceeding with production of 108 jets.

Boeing also expects other countries will put in orders for the torpedo-carrying jets, hoping that, past 2012, they will continue to roll out one or more a month.

The Poseidon project, which the Navy refers to as P-8A, is the first Boeing contract that allows the normally commercial facility in Renton to also add military equipment -- bomb bay doors and radar, for example -- to the planes.

Previously, military equipment installation was reserved for another plant.

The ability to assemble the entire project in one location should increase efficiency and reduce costs for the Navy, the report said.

The project has also provided 1,200-1,300 jobs in Renton and Seattle, the Times reported.