Initially, Germany intended to replace its eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft as part of the MAWS (Maritime Airborne Warfare Systems) project. This initiative, conducted in cooperation with France, aimed to develop a “system of systems” designed to network a variety of sensors, including aircraft, beacons, acoustic buoys, and satellites.

In 2021, the German naval aviation sought to regain anti-ship capabilities by equipping its P-8A Poseidon aircraft with JSM missiles.