Despite an upgrade of the P-3C that has since been cancelled, its ability to hunt submarines is assured. This is because the navy is expecting the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft as early as next year.
The Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) make a significant contribution to the capability of long-range reconnaissance at sea and long-range anti-submarine defence from the air and thus remain indispensable for the German Navy.
As with many other major projects of the Air Division of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), the P-8A Poseidon procurement programme is also embedded in a multinational complex. Therefore, following the parliamentary discussion in June 2021, the Bundeswehr signed a contract for the procurement of five P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The need to expand the portfolio to up to eight aircraft was recognised by the minister in August 2023.
The resulting commissioning of the US government was subsequently carried out with the signing of the fourth Letter of Acceptance in November 2023 by the President of the BAAINBw.
The Federal Office procures the aircraft via the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The P-8A was developed from 2004 onwards based on an extensively modified Boeing 737-800 and has been successively replacing the US Navy's P-3C fleet since 2013. More than 160 of these aircraft are now in service worldwide. In addition to the USA, users include Australia, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.
The FMS contract signed in June 2021 contains the following main components:
- Radar system
- Acoustic system
- Electronic support system
- Electronic self-protection system
- Electro-optical/infrared HD camera system
- Identification Friend or Foe transponder (IFF transponder)
- IFF interrogator
- Communication and data link systems (e.g. Satcom, Link 16)
- Search and Rescue Kit
The BAAINBw project team is currently working with the US Navy on a sixth amendment to the existing contract in order to implement further project components in the area of communications technology in addition to the existing contractual obligation of the previous amendments. The weapon system is also being procured in the most modern equipment variant, which also includes the Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measures system. This system is a self-protection system for defence against approaching guided missiles with infrared-based seeker technology.
Final assembly of the P-8A at Boeing in Seattle, Photo: Boeing
From a technical perspective, the P-8A Poseidon and the P-3C Orion differ in particular in terms of their size. The core capability of the weapon system is to combat submarines. Using state-of-the-art equipment in the form of sensors, sonar buoys and Mk 54 torpedoes, submarines can be detected and engaged. The 2.71 metre long Mk 54 torpedo, powered by an internal combustion engine, has a 44 kilogram warhead and is the main armament of the P-8A. The extent to which other weapons will be integrated into the aircraft is still being clarified.
The sensor system consists of state-of-the-art computer systems for acoustic processing, radar with inverse synthetic aperture as well as radar with synthetic aperture and other electronic support measures. In addition, the weapon system is capable of locating and classifying surface targets and engaging them with guided missiles. The optical reconnaissance capability using high-resolution camera systems, which also cover the infrared range, makes an important contribution to comprehensive situational awareness. Via direct data communication, the P-8A is able to distribute this information to the Bundeswehr's situation centres almost in real time. At the same time, the Poseidon can utilise modern communication and data link systems in combat management and use the corresponding information. With its fully networked command and control capability, it plays a special role in the battle of combined forces, paving the way for a new era of joint combat between all branches of the armed forces.
The aircraft also make an important contribution to search-and-rescue operations thanks to their long range, which can be further increased by aerial refuelling, and modern sensor technology. They are able to search extensive sea and overland areas at high and low altitudes for people in need of help and coordinate the rescue from the air. This includes dropping a survival pack for search and rescue missions.
Support from the industry
After delivery of the aircraft from 2025, operation is planned at Naval Air Wing 3 "Graf Zeppelin" at the Nordholz site, where the P-3C is currently stationed. Maintenance and repair work to ensure the Bundeswehr's daily flight operations will also be carried out there. The necessary technical and logistical support services, including materials management, are to be provided by industry. Accordingly, the navy will only be responsible for the operation of the aircraft and simple maintenance and repair services. The contracting authority is currently in tender negotiations with industrial partners in this regard and is aiming for performance-based cooperation. The time horizon envisages the earliest possible start of support services at the Nordholz site. The first infrastructural construction measures by the project's industrial partners can already be seen today at and around the naval air base.
In line with the endeavours of other large weapon systems in the air dimension, the P-8A will also be operated in the Demar control area. This involves the European harmonised airworthiness requirements in the military sector (European Military Airworthiness Requirements, Emar). For the necessary coordination processes, the Naval Aircraft Project Unit and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office are in close dialogue with the manufacturer Boeing and the US Navy as the responsible type certificate holder.
The introduction of the new weapon system requires changes to the operational organisation and comprehensive training of technical and flying personnel. These can be covered in part by the contractual obligations in a multinational context, in particular by the US Navy; however, this cannot be fully realised for the long-term further education and training of crew members. In view of the long period of utilisation, additional extensive training resources were therefore ordered from the US government via the existing FMS contract. In addition to the Operational Flight Trainer and the Weapons Tactics Trainer, these include additional options for the preparation and follow-up of individual training missions as well as the provision of electronic classrooms at the Nordholz site, which need to be integrated into the existing infrastructure. The intended delivery of the training equipment is scheduled from 2027 and thus forms a core aspect of the training and further training of crew members without hindering the necessary remaining flight operations for the preceding weapon system.
Seamless transition
The background to the procurement is the scheduled end of service life of the P-3C Orion next year. The original plan was to operate this weapon system until 2035 - after completion of a modernisation programme to improve its capabilities and extend its service life. In addition to the renewal of the wings and tail unit, further measures have been initiated in the area of avionics to maintain operational readiness and eliminate increasing obsolescence. Due to ongoing complications from autumn 2018 and the resulting noticeable restriction in flight operations due to the lack of availability of the weapon system, the Ministry of Defence decided in June 2020 to cancel the Orion modernisation programme. Contractually agreed project services and the associated industrial overhaul were provided inadequately, with cost increases and delays of several years. The renewal of the wings was carried out and completed for two aircraft following the cancellation. The first refurbished Orion was delivered in February 2021, followed by the second aircraft in April 2022.
The operation of the P-8A weapon system is now future-orientated and needs-based with eight units. The Poseidon will ensure a seamless transition of capabilities following the phase-out of the P-3C at the Nordholz naval air base.
Technical Government Director Matthias Müller works in the Air Division of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
Matthias Müller
English 
German
0 Kommentare