Denmark to buy Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft to bolster Arctic defence

Denmark has approved the acquisition of two Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to strengthen its military capabilities in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced.

The decision follows a procurement recommendation by Denmark's Chief of Defence, General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, and comes as NATO leaders gather this week in Ankara, where defence spending, military production, and support for Ukraine are expected to dominate the agenda, Breaking Defense reports.

According to the ministry, the new aircraft will enhance Denmark's ability to conduct long-range surveillance and maritime security operations while reinforcing the country's contribution to NATO's collective defence.

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

He added that the purchase would significantly strengthen Denmark's operational capabilities.

"We are strengthening the Armed Forces' task performance in terms of interception and surveillance at very long distances," Hyldgaard said.

The acquisition comes amid Denmark's efforts to bolster Arctic surveillance capabilities in response to growing regional security concerns, including increased Russian activity and renewed US interest in Greenland.

The Danish Defence Command has also launched a study into potential cooperation with NATO allies on the P-8 program. Possible areas of collaboration include establishing a joint unit at a shared airbase, as well as coordinating operations, maintenance, procurement, and training.

According to local broadcaster TV2, the planned procurement is valued at tens of billions of Danish kroner.

The P-8 Poseidon is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Several NATO members—including Canada, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States—already operate or have ordered the aircraft.

By Vafa Guliyeva