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Grman Navy P-8A.
FARNBOROUGH, England—The German navy is hoping to secure parliamentary approval for additional P-8As in the coming months as the service also looks to reintroduce an anti-ship strike capability.
The four additional P-8As would be acquired on top of the eight previously ordered, with the first three already delivered, according to Commander of Naval Aviation Capt. Broder Nielsen.
The contract for the follow-on order could be finalized before year-end if lawmakers approve funding this fall.
Nielsen, who has overseen the introduction of the P-8A into service over the past nine months, said the navy is beginning to consider next steps, including ensuring the aircraft's systems remain up to date. He also wants the service to restore the anti-surface warfare capability it lost when it relinquished its Panavia Tornados to the Luftwaffe.
Germany has not identified which strike weapon it might procure, but Nielsen said the Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile could be a candidate. Adding an air-launched effects capability also may be on the horizon, although Nielsen said the service is still in the early stages of operating the P-8A and wants to gain more experience before making such decisions.
There are other P-8A opportunities in Europe, according to Tim Flood, Boeing's senior director for defense business development in Europe. Denmark, which has committed to buying two aircraft, has an option for a third. Italy also is a potential customer.
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