Defence Minister Boris Pistorius visits naval aviators in Nordholz

Today, the Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, will visit the naval aviators in Nordholz. He will find out about the diverse capabilities and future direction of the "flying fleet" as well as the status of the introduction of new weapon systems. The closely timed changeover of all flying weapon systems in parallel with the numerous deployments, missions and exercises presents the naval aviators with a variety of challenges. One of these challenges is the creation of the operationally relevant infrastructure for the new weapon systems at the Nordholz site.

The P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will only be in service with the German Navy for just over a decade, graphic: Boeing

After the Minister of Defence arrives, he will talk to soldiers from the aircraft and helicopters stationed in Nordholz and find out about the introduction of the NH-90 NTH "Sea Lion" multi-role helicopter and the upcoming conversion from the P-3C "Orion" maritime patrol aircraft to the P-8A "Poseidon" and from the Sea Lynx Mk88A on-board helicopter to the NH-90 "Sea Tiger" in 2025. After the tour of the hangar, the Federal Minister will talk to the naval aviators in private about the numerous upcoming changes at the site.