Norway has declared that it will deploy P-8A Poseidon observation aircraft to the Arctic Circle in 2022. This comes as a significant step forward in the country’s long-term endeavor to improve defense capabilities and readiness in the region. The timeline was released on Aug. 13 by the Ministry of Defence, which had already authorized Evenes Air Station as the principal base for its future Boeing-made fleet. The Royal Norwegian Air Force has bought five P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and two Dassault Falcon 20 special mission aircraft to replace its current fleet of six Lockheed Martin P-3C/N Orion maritime patrol aircraft and two Dassault Falcon 20 special mission aircraft. The P-3 Orions of the service are based at the Andoya Air Station, which is 190 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
The Crossroads of Special Operations