On Oct. 24, 2025, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius tested the new Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft from Lossiemouth, signalling a joint Germany‑Britain plan to monitor and counter Russian submarines in the North Atlantic.
Poseidon: Germany’s New Arctic Spyplane
The Poseidon, or P‑8, is a windowless, gray‑painted Boeing 737 designed to detect Russian submarines emerging from Murmansk into the North Atlantic. During a demonstration flight no submarine was spotted, but Pistorius observed how the aircraft’s sonar munitions can pick up engine sounds from several kilometres away.
Flying at around 300 m altitude, the pilot reported seeing a ship riding high waves, and noted the highly sensitive radar and acoustic sensors that accompany the aircraft’s mission capability.
Joint Patrols from Lossiemouth, Keflavik and Nordholz
Germany is set to receive eight new Poseidon aircraft, while the Royal Air Force, Norwegian Navy and U.S. Navy are already operational with the platform. NATO intends to deploy these assets from Lossiemouth (Scotland), Keflavik (Iceland) and Nordholz (Germany) to patrol the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea.
Nato’s Oceanic Surveillance Network
NATO officers report a sharp rise in Russian submarine operations, including nuclear‑powered vessels, posing a strategic threat. Surveillance aircraft determine how close subs approach NATO coastlines and track their passage through territorial waters. In wartime, the P‑8 could also launch torpedoes.
Germany and Britain Expand Drone and Missile Cooperation
Both ministers announced plans to deepen cooperation on drone technology and ground force equipment. Under a NATO initiative, a precision long‑range missile is being developed to intercept Russian missile attacks earlier than previous systems allow.
Supporting Ukraine Amid Rising Russian Aggression
The ministers reaffirmed Germany’s and Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, training its soldiers and supplying arms. Britain pledged £50 billion to a coalition of willing partners, while both stressed that NATO must become more European and secure deter Russia.
