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Denmark to buy three P-8A aircraft
The US State Department approved a foreign military sale to Denmark of up to three P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft with indirect fire protection capability under a possible US $1.8 contract.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress of the possible foreign military sale on Dec. 29, 2025.
According to Transmittal No. 25-102, ‘The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Denmark of Multi-Mission Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft P-8A with Indirect Fire Protection Capability and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.8 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
‘The Government of Denmark has requested to buy up to three (3) P-8A Patrol Aircraft; four (4) Multifunctional Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems; four (4) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; four (4) system processor replacements for AN/AAQ-24(V)N with Selective Availability Anti-spoofing Modules (SAASMs); and eight (8) LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems / Inertial Navigations Systems with SAASMs. The following non-MDE items will be included: Tactical Open Mission Software; electro-optical and infrared MX-20HD systems;
‘NexGEN Missile Warning Sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; AN/AAQ-2(V) acoustic systems; AN/APY-10 radar systems; ALQ-213 early warning management systems; A/N UPX-43 interrogators; KIV-78A cryptographic appliqués; A/N APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe transmitters; AN/ARC-210 ultra high frequency / very high frequency radios; AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) programmers; KY-100M communications security (COMSEC) devices; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $1.8 billion.
Improving the security of a NATO Ally
‘This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
‘The proposed sale 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. The proposed sale will support its goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. Denmark will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
‘The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region.
‘The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company, located in Arlington, VA.’
The Poseidon
The P-8 can fly up to 41,000 feet with a maximum speed of 490 knots. Fitted with an in-flight refueling system, the P-8’s endurance and range allow it to conduct extended patrols over vast expanses of water, benefitting both military and humanitarian operations.
A proven system with 172 aircraft delivered or in service, the P-8 has logged more than 660,000 flight hours around the globe. Each P-8 is engineered for 25 years of service and 25,000 flight hours in the harshest maritime flight regimes, including extended operations in icing environments.
The P-8 combines the most advanced weapon system of its kind and a cutting-edge mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the battlespace. By sharing 86% commonality with the 737 Next Generation and Boeing’s expertise in commercial fleet management and derivative aircraft sustainment, the P-8 provides customers with greater availability at a lower operational cost.
The Poseidon offers the size, weight, power and cooling capacity to support evolving mission needs, including the integration of additional mission systems to enhance operational versatility. The P-8’s open mission systems architecture means rapid, affordable technology insertion for decades of mission readiness.
The P-8 has two variants: the P-8A Poseidon, flown by the U.S. Navy, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Republic of Korea Navy, and the P-8I, flown by the Indian Navy. Other militaries, including the German Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force, have also chosen the P-8, further solidifying its reputation as a global leader in maritime patrol.
Photo credit: U.S. Navy
