Overview
- Germany took delivery of its first P-8A on November 7 and has based the aircraft at Nordholz on the North Sea.
- Eight Poseidons are planned by 2029 with an option for four more, following a €3.1 billion order for the initial fleet.
- The aircraft enters service configured for anti-submarine warfare with lightweight torpedoes and depth charges, with anti-ship missiles to be added later.
- The platform brings advanced long-range sensors, a fully digital weapons system and air-to-air refuelling to extend patrol reach.
- Germany expects to operate from allied NATO bases such as RAF Lossiemouth, expanding surveillance of the North Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic in response to increased Russian undersea activity.