Denmark moves to acquire P-8A Poseidon aircraft under $1.8 billion deal

December 30, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The United States has approved a potential $1.8 billion foreign military sale (FMS) to Denmark, covering multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon.

Australian defense ministry file photo of an air force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

The approval, announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), includes up to three P-8A Poseidon aircraft along with a comprehensive package of mission systems, logistics, training, and long-term support.

According to the DSCA, the proposed sale is intended to enhance Denmark’s ability to monitor and defend its maritime approaches, improve anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, and strengthen interoperability with NATO allies operating in increasingly contested northern waters.

In addition to the aircraft, Denmark has requested a broad range of mission systems and equipment, including advanced maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, secure communications, navigation systems, and self-protection suites. The package also covers mission planning software, identification systems, and electronic warfare support equipment.

The sale further includes training for Danish personnel, spare parts, technical documentation, and engineering and logistics support. As part of the implementation phase, US government and contractor personnel are expected to deploy to Denmark for an extended period to assist with aircraft introduction, system integration, and operational readiness.

Denmark’s interest in the P-8A Poseidon comes amid heightened focus on the North Atlantic, Arctic, and Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap, regions of growing strategic importance for NATO. Increased submarine activity, expanding naval presence, and renewed great-power competition have elevated the need for persistent maritime domain awareness.

The P-8A, derived from the Boeing 737 platform, is designed for long-range patrol, undersea warfare, intelligence gathering, and maritime surveillance. It is capable of detecting and tracking submarines using advanced acoustic systems and sonobuoys, while also conducting surface warfare and search-and-rescue missions.

The aircraft is already in service with several NATO members, including the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, and Germany, enabling Denmark to integrate seamlessly into allied maritime patrol operations.

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Authorities

According to the DSCA, the proposed sale will not alter the military balance in the region but will support NATO’s collective defense posture by improving shared situational awareness and coordinated maritime operations.

While the sale has been approved, final numbers, configuration, and delivery timelines will depend on contractual negotiations and Danish budget authorization. However, the move signals a clear intent by Denmark to modernize its maritime patrol fleet.