The US State Department has approved a possible $1.8 billion Foreign Military Sale to Denmark for up to three Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, according to a notification issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The package covers the aircraft and a wide range of mission systems, radios, electronic warfare equipment, identification systems, radar, countermeasures, and associated training and sustainment.
The deal also includes AN/APY-10 radars, MX-20HD electro-optical systems, NexGEN missile warning sensors, AN/AAQ-24(V)N defensive suites, LN-251 inertial navigation systems with anti-spoofing capability, and ALQ-213 electronic warfare management systems. The approval also covers US government and contractor support over a two-year fielding and training period.
Washington framed the sale as aligned with broader NATO objectives, stating the aircraft would bolster Danish maritime surveillance, deterrence and alliance interoperability.
The DSCA said the deal “will enhance Denmark’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations.” It added that Copenhagen “will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
If concluded, the sale would consolidate the P-8A’s position as NATO’s standard maritime patrol platform. The UK, Norway and Germany already operate or have orders for the aircraft, and Poland has also been cleared to receive it. Denmark’s acquisition would close one of the remaining gaps in northern European P-8 coverage at a time of sustained focus on Baltic and North Atlantic security.
The principal contractor would be Boeing, with no offset arrangements currently identified. US officials indicated that the notification reflects a maximum ceiling value, and the eventual contract value could be lower depending on final configuration and quantities. The proposed sale requires congressional review, and negotiations would determine timelines and final scope.
Or Is It a swap deal for Greenland ? 🤔