There are more Poseidon's than that, they do not have the pilots for seven squadronsHey c1951,
What are you talking about?
The UK has ~100 operational Typhoon aircraft in 7 active squadrons. Do you mean that the UK has only 18 aircraft on standing guard (aka Quick Reaction Alert)?
Also, RAF is flying Poseidon MRA Mk 1 aircraft for maritime patrol and ASW - although they only have 9 airframes.