Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced that her government will unveil significant plans for the rearmament of Denmark’s military in response to what she describes as an escalating threat from Russia. In her remarks to parliament, Frederiksen emphasized the need for a “massive” upgrade of the military to safeguard Denmark’s national security.
While specific details of the rearmament initiative remain confidential, Danish public broadcaster DR reports that the government is poised to establish a 50-billion-kroner (approximately $7 billion) fund dedicated to bolstering defense spending for the years 2025 and 2026. Initial discussions hinted at the possibility of doubling this amount, but government officials determined that the current availability of defense equipment did not support such an increase.
Among the key items on the Danish military’s wishlist is the introduction of air defense systems, a capability the country currently lacks. Frederiksen insisted that the rearming efforts must occur “quickly,” citing a “difficult situation” facing not only Denmark but also the broader region. She characterized the current geopolitical climate as “the most dangerous situation in our lifetime,” declaring it “worse than during the Cold War.”
Her comments follow emergency discussions in Paris concerning shifts in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Frederiksen articulates a strong concern that Russia’s actions pose a threat to all of Europe, indicating that the invasion of Ukraine is part of Russia’s broader ambitions for territorial expansion. She warned that any moves by the United States toward a hasty ceasefire could embolden Russia, allowing it to regroup and potentially launch further assaults on Ukraine or other European nations.
Should the proposed fund of 50 billion kroner be confirmed, Denmark’s defense spending would rise to three percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). This figure aligns with the heightened focus on defense spending, particularly given calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO allies to increase their military expenditure targets to five percent of GDP. Comparatively, the United States currently allocates approximately 3.4 percent of its GDP to defense.
Denmark has emerged as a robust supporter of Ukraine since the onset of the war in February 2022, contributing approximately $7.52 billion in military aid and around $741 million in civilian assistance, as reported by the Danish foreign ministry. The country’s commitment reflects broader concerns among European nations about the implications of Russian aggression for regional and global stability.
