The German Bundestag's Budget Committee has approved funds to enhance its military capabilities to acquire 50 Dingo 2 A4.1 protected command and functional vehicles, along with three additional P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Valued at approximately €150m, the Dingoes will replace those provided to Ukraine earlier, reinforcing Germany's commitment to supporting its partners in defence against Russian aggression. The €1.1bn allocated for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, sourced from the Bundeswehr special fund, signifies an investment in maritime reconnaissance and submarine hunting capabilities, set to be operational by the end of 2024.
This move aligns with Germany's long-term vision for maritime defence through the collaborative Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS) project with France.
Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the Dingoes play a role in the Bundeswehr's strengthened defence initiative, Individual Plan 60, providing military material, equipment and training to selected partner states.
Additionally, the committee approved the purchase of three more P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, with the required €1.1bn sourced from the Bundeswehr special fund. Following the approval of funds for five P-8A Poseidons in 2021, this further investment solidifies Germany's commitment to bolstering its maritime reconnaissance and submarine-hunting capabilities.
The procurement of Germany's P-8A will replace the German Navy's ageing P-3C Orion. The procurement of P-8A would enable the German Navy to perform long-range maritime surveillance missions well into the 2030s, according to GlobalData's report, The Global Military Fixed Wing Aircraft Market 2023–2033.
These aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, are due to be operational by the end of 2024, bridging the gap until the implementation of the German-French collaborative project, MAWS. The long-term goal is to further develop and enhance Germany's capabilities in maritime defence through partnerships and technology.
New Zealand recently completed the induction of its fourth and final Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Meanwhile, Australia also recently stated its intention to upgrade its P-8A maritime patrol aircraft fleet.
