Start of production "keel laying" of the German Poseidon

Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems began production of the first of a total of eight P-8A maritime patrol aircraft for Germany at a ceremony in Wichita, Kansas (USA) on 3 April 2024.

Representatives of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), the German Navy and the German P-8A Poseidon industrial team took part in the keel laying ceremony at Spirit Aerosystems. For the Boeing Group, this marks the beginning of the partnership with the German Armed Forces. Dr Michael Haidinger, President, Boeing Germany, emphasised this explicitly. This is a strategically significant co-operation for the company, whose civilian products are currently making headlines time and again.

The ultra-modern aircraft will be operated in Germany by local companies, including ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik GmbH and Lufthansa Technik. With this co-operation, the value creation will also remain in Germany. In other words: the tax money will not go exclusively to the USA.

The first component bears the signatures of those involved in the ceremony, photo. Boeing

Spirit Aerosystems is responsible for building the fuselage of the P-8A Poseidon and delivering it to Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Washington State for final assembly. Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) then installs military mission systems and carries out numerous tests prior to delivery.