The P-8A Poseidon could become the dominant maritime patrol aircraft among NATO and key allied states; commonality bringing benefits to sustainment and interoperability. However, questions remain as to whether a lack of competition and variety could hinder operational effectiveness
Announced recently, Germany looks set to become the fourth NATO customer for Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft, with an announcement on June 30, 2021, that the country’s Bundestag had signed letters of offer and acceptance (LOA) with the US government for five aircraft.
Although it is yet to become a firm order, the German decision underscores the proliferation of the P-8A among high-end anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime surveillance operators within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
