Germany Set To Replace Its P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft With The P-8A Poseidon Germany Set To Replace Its P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft With The P-8A Poseidon A file photo of a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon releasing flares over the sea. (Photo: NAVAIR) The selection of the P-8 Poseidon emerged during a parliamentary interrogation after the United States approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of five aircraft to Germany. The Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVg), the German Federal Ministry of Defence, is looking to the Boeing P-8A Poseidon as the temporary replacement for its ageing fleet of Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, according to Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Silberhorn.