USA Approves Sale of Three P-8A Poseidons to Denmark for Patrolling Arctic and Greenland

The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of three Boeing P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and related equipment to Denmark.

This was reported by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The total purchase price is estimated at $1.8 billion. In addition to the aircraft themselves, it includes additional equipment, technical support, and logistics services from both the US government and contractors.

This amount also includes four joint tactical radio systems of the MIDS JTRS multifunctional information distribution system, four Guardian laser transmitters for AN/AAQ-24(V)N systems, four updated system processors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N with SAASM selective anti-spoofing modules, and eight integrated global positioning and inertial navigation systems LN-251 with SAASM support.

Additionally, the package includes tactical software for open-architecture missions, MX-20HD electro-optical and infrared systems, NexGEN missile warning sensors for AN/AAQ-24(V)N systems, AN/AQQ-2(V) acoustic systems, AN/APY-10 radar systems, and ALQ-213 early warning control systems.

The request also includes AN/UPX-43 requesters, KIV-78A cryptographic modules, AN/APX-123A friend-or-foe identification system transmitters, AN/ARC-210 ultra-high and very high frequency radios, AN/ALE-47 countermeasure firing system programmers, and KY-100M communications security devices.

The prime contractor for this contract will be Boeing with a manufacturing facility located in Arlington, Virginia.

Danish patrol aircraft

Today, the Danish patrol aircraft fleet consists of four Challenger 604 aircraft manufactured by the Canadian company Bombardier, which are used for patrolling and surveillance. At the same time, the aircraft has a serious drawback – limited anti-submarine capabilities, including a weak set of sensor systems and radars for detecting and identifying underwater targets.

In addition, the CL-604 does not carry any weapons, including anti-ship missiles, and has limited capabilities in using acoustic systems to detect underwater objects.

In addition to aircraft, the Royal Danish Air Force also uses MH-60R Seahawk deck helicopters as patrol and anti-submarine platforms on surface ships.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that in September 2025, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told the media that Denmark was considering purchasing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States to monitor the Arctic, in particular the waters around Greenland.

P-8 Poseidon

The Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol anti-submarine aircraft is designed to detect and destroy enemy submarines in patrol areas.

In addition, it can perform reconnaissance missions and participate in anti-ship and rescue operations.

The aircraft is based on the civilian passenger Boeing 737-800. Its combat payload is up to 9 tons, placed on six external suspensions and in five internal compartments.

Armament includes Harpoon anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, sea mines and depth charges.

The P-8A is capable of dropping hydroacoustic buoys and monitoring the water area in real time.

Singapore recently ordered four of these patrol aircraft from the United States. They are to replace the outdated Fokker 50s that have been in service since 1993.