A Surprising Turn in US-Denmark Relations: The P8-Poseidon Deal
As tensions simmer between President Trump and Denmark, particularly over Greenland, an unexpected development has emerged from the U.S. State Department. On December 29, officials confirmed that Denmark has been approved to purchase three Boeing P8-Poseidon surveillance aircraft, as reported by respected military outlets, including Jane’s.
This substantial deal, valued at an estimated $1.8 billion—approximately 11.5 billion kroner—will not only secure the planes but also include vital training, support, and advanced sensor systems.
While a formal contract has yet to be finalized, the P8-Poseidon has long been a significant point of interest for Denmark’s Ministry of Defence. The aircraft will play a crucial role in the Partial Agreement 2 concerning the Arctic and North Atlantic, a pact that the Naalakkersuisut (Faroese government) and various defense stakeholders engaged in last October.
Standard Procedure
It’s important to note that the U.S. State Department’s endorsement of such a transaction aligns with standard protocols surrounding the export of military systems. Earlier this year, in May, Sweden granted Denmark the option to acquire Swedish Global Eye surveillance aircraft as an alternative to the P8-Poseidon, indicating the strategic maneuvering in the region.
The P8-Poseidon is expected to significantly enhance monitoring capabilities in the North Atlantic, particularly in the GIUK gap—a strategic area between Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Great Britain. Apart from the United States, several NATO allies, including Norway, Canada, Germany, and the UK, already operate this aircraft.
The new aircraft aim primarily to replace Denmark’s aging fleet of four Challenger jets, which have been in service since 1998 and are nearing the end of their operational lives. However, the P8-Poseidon will be just one component of Denmark’s broader defense strategy, potentially leading to the acquisition of additional aircraft in the future. The current Challengers are also used for various tasks in Northeast Greenland, including operations on small, unpaved runways, as well as VIP transport for the royal family and government officials.
A Familiar Aircraft
Originally taking flight in 2009, the P8-Poseidon is derived from Boeing’s well-known 737 model, which has sold over 4,600 units since its introduction in 1966. This aircraft is familiar to many in Greenland, where Air Greenland, in partnership with Jettime, utilizes it for routes connecting Narsarsuaq and Billund. Additionally, a Boeing 737 from Danish airline Airseven has serviced the summer route between Nuuk and Aalborg.
One of the significant advantages of the P8-Poseidon over the current Danish Challenger jets is its weaponry capabilities; it can carry torpedoes, mines, and Harpoon missiles, enhancing its operational versatility.
With a cruising speed of 815 km/h and a range of 4,500 km, the P8-Poseidon can loiter over a designated area for approximately four hours, depending on proximity to the nearest airstrip. In Greek mythology, Poseidon was the sea god known for creating waves with his trident—a fitting namesake for an aircraft poised to monitor vast ocean expanses.