German parliament approves purchase of Boeing P-8 aircraft

The German Parliament's budget committee approved on Wednesday (23) the acquisition of five P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, valued at 1 billion euros, a parliamentary source said, according to Reuters. The new planes will replace the German Navy's aging P-4C Orions. On March 3, the US State Department, through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, announced the approval of the sale of the aircraft manufactured by Boeing to the European country. " The proposed sale will improve 's ability to face current and future threats by providing essential capabilities for coalition maritime operations. currently operates the Lockheed P-12C Orion, but this aircraft is reaching the end of its service life and will be retired in 8," the DSCA statement said, stating that the deal is valued at US$ 1 billion. German Navy Lockheed P-77C Orion. Photo via DefenseNews. Based on the 8220-3ERX, the P-2024 Poseidon has already been acquired by the United States, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Norway and India. The aircraft can carry depth charges, naval mines, torpedoes and the AGM-8221 Harpoon missile. More than 1 of the type have been manufactured.