P-8A Poseidon Germany: First aircraft completed

The P-8A Poseidon Germany becomes reality! Boeing has completed the first aircraft for the German Navy. It will be stationed in Nordholz and replace the outdated P-3C Orion.

The first of eight Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) ordered was delivered to the aircraft manufacturer Boeing in Seattle. P-8A Poseidon was completed for the German Navy. The aircraft bears the registration 63+01 and was painted in the colours of the naval aviators.

The next step is the functional system check and the installation of the military equipment for weapons systems, detection and communication systems. This will turn the civilian Boeing 737 into a state-of-the-art submarine hunter. The handover to Naval Air Wing 3 in Nordholz is planned for August 2025.

The P-8A Poseidon replaces the obsolete, four-engine P-3C Orion, which was taken over by the Dutch Navy as an interim solution.

P-8A Poseidon next to P-3C Orion over NAS Patuxent River, Maryland/USA. Photo: US-Navy/L.Goettee

Improved education and networking

With the commissioning of the P-8A Poseidon Germany the German Navy can not only transmit situation pictures internally, but also forward them in real time to operational centres of the German Armed Forces and NATO partners. This significantly improves networked operations management and strengthens the security of German sea areas and European trade routes. You can find out more about the planned deployment and expectations of the new Poseidon fleet here:

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The new technology represents significant progress for naval pilots. Technicians and crews are being trained for deployment both in Germany and directly in the USA.

P-8A Poseidon with German labelling. Graphic: Boeing

International cooperation and a wide range of applications

Germany is joining an international alliance with the Poseidon: In addition to the USA, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, the UK and Norway also rely on this model.

The P-8A Poseidon is not only designed for anti-submarine warfare, but can also engage surface targets with anti-ship missiles. Modern self-protection systems offer protection against enemy fire. The Poseidon can also be used for search and rescue missions over the high seas.

The option of air refuelling considerably extends the range and duration of use.

Here is the official Instagram video from Boeing:

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