Americans have again started talking about obtaining or even seizing Greenland island. However, this doesn’t prevent them from approving Denmark’s purchase of Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.
The U.S. State Department issued corresponding approval for up to 3 aircraft for $1.8 billion. It’s noted this will support American interests and security by strengthening a NATO ally.
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P-8A Poseidon patrol and anti-submarine aircraft with Harpoon anti-ship missiles / Open source photo
Immediately worth noting: this isn’t yet a firm contract and may not materialize at all. However, recalling that Denmark declared its desire to acquire Poseidons earlier this year to track russian submarines, materialization seems quite probable.
The U.S. also recently approved selling Danes AMRAAM-ER air-to-air missiles to be used in newly-acquired NASAMS air defense systems. Additionally, although the SAMP/T won the air defense system competition, negotiations continue regarding Patriot air defense system procurement.
First P-8A Poseidon patrol and anti-submarine aircraft for Germany / Photo credit: Boeing
So it turns out Denmark isn’t abandoning American weapons despite all threats toward Greenland. This partially makes sense as it can serve as a diplomatic move showing both strengthened defense capability and using U.S. products for this purpose.
Also worth remembering: Europe currently has no alternatives for full-fledged maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft like the P-8A Poseidon. So it’s quite reasonable to choose the same as other NATO allies like Germany, rather than chasing exotic options.
NASAMS air defense system / Open source photo
As a reminder, Europeans’ transition to regional defense industry products instead of U.S. purchases is perceived quite negatively by the current White House administration. So perhaps new contracts will help salvage relations.
It’s currently hard to say whether Denmark’s new bet will work and normalize relations within the Alliance. However, the choice itself is quite good, considering the Poseidon can carry long-range cruise anti-ship missiles.
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