A Navy P-8A Poseidon takes off from Diego Garcia on Oct. 24, 2025. The State Department approved the sale of three such aircraft and associated equipment to Denmark. (Samantha Jetzer/U.S. Navy)
A proposed $1.8 billion sale of three Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Denmark was given a State Department green light just ahead of the new year.
The sale, which still requires congressional approval, would put Denmark in the company of the U.S., the United Kingdom, Norway and Germany as NATO allies flying the 737-based surveillance and reconnaissance jet. Germany received its first P-8A in October.
The package includes joint tactical radio systems, navigation systems and components for the Northrop Grumman Guardian AN/AAQ-24(V)N laser-based missile countermeasures system, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement Monday.
Denmark would also receive mission software, electro-optical and infrared systems, missile warning sensors and radar, according to the statement.
The P-8A Poseidon is designed to detect, track and engage submarines and surface vessels, according to Boeing. It uses radar, sonobuoys, electronic support measures, torpedoes and an advanced acoustic sensor suite to conduct anti-submarine warfare.
The announcement follows another major U.S. arms deal with Denmark, a $900 million purchase of medium-range missiles.
It also comes just weeks after former President Donald Trump named a special envoy to Greenland, reigniting tensions over Washington’s interest in the Danish territory.