Germany still to decide on P-8A weapons package
An artist's impression of a German Navy P-8A Poseidon MPA in flight. (Image: Boeing)
The German MoD has told Shephard it will decide which weapons are fitted to new P-8A Poseidon MPA’s at a 'later date', on account of ‘some conditions’ being tied to the decision.
Those conditions were not detailed by a MoD spokesperson, but the fact that the US State Department did not include Poseidon weapons when originally approving the $1.77 billion German order on 12 March 2021, suggests the issue has been problematic for some time.
As the P-8A is typically fitted with MK 54 air-launched lightweight torpedoes and AGM-84D Harpoons, choices for Berlin are limited, unless it wants to take
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
-
Irish Naval Service expands as the country looks to defence during EU presidency
The Irish Naval Service has struggled to maintain capability, particularly in the face of lucrative private sector offers luring away personnel.
-
Resilience, adaptiveness and collaboration vital for success in space (Studio)
Speakers at the Defence In Space Conference (DISC) 2025 highlighted the critical and evolving role of space in national security, defence and the global economy.
-
Why the NORAD inventory might be the US and Canada’s Achilles’ heel
Both the US and Canada operate Cold War-era capabilities which cannot defeat today’s and tomorrow’s threats.
-
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.