When hunting submarines from the air, they cover long distances: From August 2025, the first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will be delivered to the German Armed Forces. They will be deployed by the naval aviation squadron in Nordholz, Lower Saxony. The first reconnaissance aircraft has already been painted in the USA.
The Bundeswehr will receive eight aircraft of this type: In June 2021, the Bundeswehr signed a contract to procure five P-8A Poseidons from the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The Bundestag’s Budget Committee had previously approved the purchase. In November 2023, it also approved investments in three additional aircraft that the Koblenz-based Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) shortly after. The maritime patrol aircraft and submarine hunters are procured through Foreign Military Sales. This is an American program through which other states can acquire military equipment. Only around four years after the first contract was signed, the aircraft is due to be delivered this summer – a short time for procurement on this scale.
From Civil to Military Aircraft
In Seattle, the first German P-8A has just received its full Bundeswehr paint job from the aircraft manufacturer Boeing – including the German national insignia. Now the functional testing of all systems, such as the engines and hydraulics. The aircraft will then be handed over to the Boeing Defense, Space & Security team. Representatives of the United States- Government and German military quality assurance teams take part before the final fitting of all systems.