Germany spends big on Poseidon but at what cost for MAWS?
A US Navy P-8 Poseidon MPA conducts an operation over the Atlantic Ocean (Photo: US Navy)
The funding of five P-8 Poseidon MPA will mean Germany retains critical capabilities once a fleet of P-3C Orions retire — but will the decision cause unrest with France?
The decision by the German Parliament budget committee to approve funding for 27 equipment projects, including €1.43 billion ($1.71) billion for five Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), could have damaging repercussions for Franco-German Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS) programme.
Selecting the Poseidon fleet as an interim solution to replace the Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion MPA is unlikely to have been met with approval from France because it suggests that Berlin, with a limited defence budget, will not be in a favourable position to invest heavily in two major MPA programmes.
‘Originally the P-3 was set to undergo a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
