German Navy Poseidons at RAF Lossiemouth

The UK and Germany will work together to protect critical underwater infrastructure, such as submarine cables, and improve detection of enemy activity in the region. To this end, Germany will regularly deploy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth.

The cooperation is part of the recently signed Trinity House Agreement between the UK and Germany. The deployment of German Poseidons to Scotland is a key part of the agreement, strengthening NATO’s ability to monitor and protect the North Atlantic region.

The first German Navy P-8A is due to be delivered in 2025, with the first flight scheduled for November 2024.

Germany purchased eight P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The budget for the first five aircraft was approved by the Bundestag (German parliament) on 23 June 2021, and funds for the purchase of three additional aircraft were released on 26 November 2023.

Credit image: Boeing