Germany has agreed to purchase five Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft to bolster its maritime surveillance capabilities.
The German Ministry of Defense signed a letter of offer and acceptance to procure the aeroplanes under the US Government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.
Reuters reported that the deal is valued at around $1.31bn (€1.1bn), citing a defence ministry statement.
The acquisition will make Germany the eighth customer of Boeing P-8 aircraft after the US, Australia, India, the UK, Norway, Korea and New Zealand.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security vice-president in Germany Michael Hostetter said: “Boeing is honoured to provide Germany with the world’s most capable maritime surveillance aircraft.
“We will continue to work with the US Government, the German Government, and industry to establish a robust sustainment package that will ensure the German Navy’s P-8A fleet is mission ready.”
The P-8A Poseidon is designed to address a range of maritime challenges including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft can also be used for search-and-rescue operations.
In Germany, the aircraft is expected to replace the ageing Lockheed P-3C Orion fleet.
Boeing entered collaborations with ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH and Lufthansa Technik last month in preparation for the potential order.
The scope of collaboration will include systems integration, training, support, and sustainment work.
Other German companies, such as Aljo Aluminum-Bau Jonischeit and Nord-Micro, supply P-8A components.
Boeing Germany, Central & Eastern Europe, Benelux and the Nordics president Dr Michael Haidinger said: “Bringing this capability to Germany is not possible without the contributions of German industry.
“With the P-8A, we will expand our collaboration with German companies, create new jobs and contribute to long-term local economic growth.”
