Under Sub-Agreement 2 on the Arctic and the North Atlantic within the 2024–2033 Defence Agreement, it was decided that Denmark will establish a maritime patrol aircraft capability in cooperation with a NATO Ally in order to strengthen its presence in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.
Danish MoD press release – Translated by Naval News
Denmark has a special responsibility for security and defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Following the recommendation of the Chief of Defence, it has initially been decided to procure two P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft will strengthen Denmark’s presence in the region and further increase the Danish Armed Forces’ responsiveness and combat power.
In recent years, the Danish Armed Forces, in close consultation with Greenland’s Naalakkersuisut, have strengthened the military presence in the region. With maritime patrol aircraft, Denmark’s ability to conduct sovereignty enforcement and surveillance will be significantly enhanced.
The aircraft will also support Denmark’s contribution to NATO’s collective defence, including force goals related to anti-submarine warfare. According to the Danish Defence Command, the aircraft will improve long-range intelligence-gathering and surveillance, contributing to a stronger shared situational awareness.
The Danish Defence Command has begun examining opportunities for cooperation with NATO Allies on the aircraft. Such cooperation could include a joint unit located at the same air base, covering areas such as procurement, implementation, operations, maintenance and training.
The aircraft to be procured initially are Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Several close Allies already operate the P-8A Poseidon for surveillance and for building the maritime situational picture. The Danish aircraft will primarily be used in the Arctic and North Atlantic region.
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