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Germany is set to replace its ageing fleet of P-3C Orion aircraft with the Boeing-built maritime patrol platforms, after its purchase was approved by the US State Department.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved the sale of five P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the government of Germany.
The deal — which has an estimated value of US$1.77 billion ($2.27 billion) — also includes the provision of nine Multifunctional Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems 5 (MIDS JTRS 5), 12 LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGls), and other related equipment.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the DSCA noted in a statement.
“The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing critical capabilities to coalition maritime operations.”
The Boeing-built Poseidon P-8A aircraft are set to replace the Lockheed Martin-built P-3C Orion, which is expected to be retired in 2024.
“The proposed sale will allow Germany to modernise and sustain its maritime surveillance aircraft (MSA) capability for the next 30 years,” the DSCA added.
“Germany will have no difficulty transitioning its MSA force to P-8 and absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.”
[Related: DSCA approves sale of SATCOM system to NATO]
