German deal for more P-8s not yet finalised, interest growing because of Ukraine conflict

The war in Ukraine has increased interest in P-8 aircraft. (US Navy)

Boeing has said that some details need to be worked through before a deal with Germany for more P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is finalised.

“You've all seen the recent reporting about Germany's going to buy seven more [P-8s],” Perry Yaw, senior manager of business development for mobility and surveillance at Boeing, told reporters on 15 June. “I'm waiting to fulfill that request. I think there's still some things that need to be worked through in Germany before we see that finalised.”

Germany has five P-8s on order from Boeing with deliveries scheduled to start in 2024. However, Berlin announced it would ramp up defense spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The war has also increased interest from other allies.

“It won't shock you that recent Russian aggression has my phone ringing a little bit more. And, of course, with what's going on in the Pacific keeps us quite busy,” Yaw said.

The P-8 is in service or on order with Australia, Germany, India, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

Canada could be the next P-8 customer for Boeing. The company responded to Canada's request for information (RFI) in February as Ottawa seeks to replace its Lockheed Martin CP-140 Aurora. Canada is the only member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance that has not yet acquired the P-8.

“We foresee a demand signal beyond where we are today, of 50-plus P-8s beyond where we are backlogged today,” Yaw said. “That's what we see out there for various customers whether they exist today or they're new. Several of our existing customers have additional requirements.”