Boeing has recently released photos and videos of the first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft intended for the German Navy. The aircraft is part of a contract between Germany and the United States to modernize the European country’s naval patrol fleet.
+ Click here to watch the P-8A Poseidon video
Germany initially ordered five units of the P-8A Poseidon in 2021 under a contract valued at €1.1 billion. In 2022, Berlin expanded the order by acquiring three more aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing maritime defense. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery this summer.
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The P-8A Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft developed by Boeing for the United States Navy (US Navy). It is based on the Boeing 737-800ERX design but has been heavily modified for military missions, replacing the older P-3C Orion.
Main Features
- Role: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Based on: Boeing 737-800ERX
- Engines: Two CFM56-7B turbofan engines by CFM International
- Maximum Speed: Approximately 907 km/h
- Range: Over 7,400 km (4,000 nautical miles)
- Crew: Typically 7 to 9 personnel
- Operational Endurance: Can operate for more than 10 hours without refueling
Systems and Equipment
- APS-137D(V)5 Radar: For surface search and maritime target detection
- Sonobuoys: Deployed at sea to detect submarines
- MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detector) System: Not included in the P-8A, unlike the P-3 Orion, as submarine detection is primarily done via sonobuoys
- Mark 54 Torpedo Launchers
- AGM-84 Harpoon Missiles: Used for attacking enemy ships
- Advanced electronic warfare and communication systems
Military Use
- United States: Operated by the US Navy since 2013
- Other Countries: The United Kingdom, Australia, India, Norway, Germany, and others have acquired or expressed interest in the aircraft
The P-8A Poseidon has been actively monitoring Russian and Chinese submarines, making it a critical asset in modern naval operations. Additionally, its aerial surveillance capabilities make it useful for search and rescue missions and monitoring hostile activities.
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Source and images: Bundeswehr / Boeing. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.