Denmark has decided to move ahead with the purchase of advanced United States-made surveillance aircraft, despite renewed diplomatic tensions over Greenland following fresh remarks by President Donald Trump.
The United States has approved a $1.8 billion arms deal to sell maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to Denmark, the US State Department announced. The agreement includes the sale of up to three Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft, designed for long-range surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime patrol missions.
In a notification to Congress, the US State Department said the sale would support American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defense capabilities of a NATO ally that plays a stabilizing political and economic role in Europe.
The approval comes just one week after Washington cleared a separate deal worth around $1 billion to supply Denmark with air-to-air missiles, underscoring growing defense cooperation between the two allies.
The United States has repeatedly urged NATO members to increase military spending, particularly as Washington seeks to reduce its military footprint in Europe, even as the war in Ukraine continues. However, relations with European allies have been strained by Trump’s renewed rhetoric on Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark.
Earlier this month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry quickly declared his intention to work towards making the Arctic island part of the United States, prompting Denmark to summon the US ambassador in protest.
Trump has refused to rule out the use of force to gain control of Greenland, arguing that the resource-rich island is strategically vital to US national security due to its location in the Arctic and growing geopolitical competition in the region.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Denmark’s decision to proceed with the aircraft purchase highlights Copenhagen’s commitment to strengthening defense capabilities within NATO, even as uncertainty grows over the future of transatlantic relations and Arctic security.
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