On Monday, February 16, 2026, the German Navy sent a P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft to India. There, the aircraft is participating in the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2026 (IPD) to strengthen Germany’s security presence in the region. The modern submarine fighter sends a clear signal of responsibility, partnership and reliability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The P-8A Poseidon will operate in the region from India. Reconnaissance and presence flights are planned. With the deployment of the aircraft, the German Navy is relocating one of these modern aircraft to the Indo-Pacific region for the first time. The deployment demonstrates the ability to flexibly deploy modern maritime forces over long distances and seamlessly integrate them into multinational formations. At the same time, it strengthens the local presence, the exchange with regional partners and contributes to stability and the preservation of free and safe sea routes.
The Indo-Pacific Deployment is an expression of the German Indo-Pacific Guidelines and underlines Germany’s claim to play an active role in securing the international order.