Denmark to Acquire Two Boeing P8-A Poseidon Aircraft to Monitor Greenland, Arctic Region

Following the recommendation of the Chief of Defence, it has been provisionally decided to acquire two maritime patrol aircraft of the P-8A Poseidon type, the Danish MoD said.

A number of close allies already use the maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon for surveillance and maritime situational awareness. The Danish aircraft will primarily be used in the Arctic and North Atlantic areas. The Danish Defence is exploring the possibilities of building a maritime patrol aircraft capacity in cooperation with a NATO ally.

"In recent years, the Danish Defence Force has strengthened its military presence with close involvement from Greenland's Naalakkersuisut, and with maritime patrol aircraft, Denmark's ability to enforce sovereignty and monitor the region is significantly strengthened. In addition, the acquisition is a clear indication that we take our common task in NATO seriously," says Minister of Defence Jeppe Bruus.

"We must be able to defend all parts of the kingdom. This also applies to the Arctic and North Atlantic areas. And we have an obligation to NATO to contribute to collective defense, not least in terms of delivering on force targets for anti-submarine warfare.

With the acquisition of two new P-8 aircraft, we are strengthening the Armed Forces' task performance in terms of interception and surveillance at very long distances. This will, among other things, contribute to our being able to achieve an even better common situational understanding," says Chief of Defense General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard.