German Armed Forces/Christoph Cassette
NATO allies have been stepping up their game when it comes to the anti-submarine warfare mission, and just last week, the first aircraft of Germany's new Poseidon fleet arrived in country.
P-8A Poseidons are maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft made by Boeing and developed for the US Navy. Armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, they can carry out a variety of missions, including tracking and engaging submarines.
Germany received its first of eight P-8As from the US on November 7, according to the defense ministry, four years from the time of the initial order.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the P-8 Poseidon as a major upgrade for the navy, highlighting its advanced sensors and weapons, easier maintenance supported by its Boeing 737 airframe, and the closer cooperation the plane will enable with other NATO allies.
"They are suitable for reconnaissance on the high seas, but especially for hunting submarines," the German defense ministry said. It added that the P-8A will be armed with torpedoes, depth charges, and, later on, anti-ship missiles.
It's unclear, exactly, when Germany will receive the remaining seven P-8 aircraft, though it should have them all by 2029. Beyond the eight it ordered, Berlin has the option to order four additional aircraft.
Australian Defence Force photo by Royal Australian Air Force Imagery Specialist Corporal Adam Abela
With its new submarine hunter, Germany joins the US, UK, and Norway, which also operate the Poseidon. Canada is also acquiring the aircraft.
Germany's P-8As will be able to operate out of other alliance bases, such as Lossiemouth, a Royal Air Force base in Scotland, and contribute to broader NATO deterrence efforts against the threat of Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic, as well as waterways like the North and Baltic seas.
Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of US Naval Forces Europe-Africa, told Business Insider earlier this year that P-8 acquisitions are key as the allies build up their anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
"With the purchase of new ships and aircraft and equipment, the technology has gotten progressively better among allies," he said.
Russia's expanding military presence in the North Atlantic and Arctic, especially beneath the surface, has raised alarms among the US and its NATO allies. Increased submarine activity around Europe has pushed the alliance to strengthen its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, investing in new systems and training for reconnaissance operations and, if necessary, combat.
Russia's submarines, such as its Yasen-class vessels, are quiet and difficult to track. One popped up off the coast of Cuba last year before taking part in military exercises in the area. These vessels have frequently received attention from the US and NATO.
The alliance has also detected an uptick in threats to critical undersea infrastructure around Europe, including to gas pipelines and data cables, since the Ukraine war started, with questions surrounding what capabilities Russia could be developing to be used for malign underwater activities.
Beyond maritime patrol aircraft like the P-8A, Western countries can track Russian submarines with their own submarines, as well as helicopters and patrol vessels. Drones are also playing an increasing role in this mission.
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