The Danish government is taking significant steps to enhance its coastal defense capabilities by allocating funds for the procurement of new coastal defense batteries. While specific details regarding the amount earmarked and the exact system to be acquired remain undisclosed, the initiative comes in response to recommendations from the Danish Chief of Defence.
The decision highlights the Danish Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining control and freedom of action in its waters, particularly as these waterways serve as crucial access routes to the Baltic Sea. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “With coastal missile batteries, we will increase the Danish Armed Forces’ combat power considerably, because the Danish internal waters can be covered from our many coastal stretches, and this will be absolutely crucial in the current security policy situation.”
Funding for this acquisition will be sourced from a substantial 50-billion Danish kroner ($7 billion) acceleration fund, aimed at bolstering Denmark’s military capabilities. The allocated amount is planned to be utilized equally over the years 2025 and 2026.
While there has been no official announcement regarding the specific missile system, reports from Danish media suggest that the country is likely opting for a land mobile version of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). This potential choice follows Denmark’s recent acquisition of Kongsberg missiles, intended to replace its older ship-based Harpoon missile systems, which cost 2.1 billion kroner ($306 million). The NSM boasts the capability to engage both sea and land targets with an impressive operational range of over 100 nautical miles (approximately 185 kilometers or 161 miles).
Looking back in history, Denmark had previously operated a pair of coastal anti-ship missile batteries until their decommissioning in 2003. These systems were mounted on four-axle Scania trucks and included two quadruple-launchers that had been repurposed from Peder Skram-class frigates. In a notable act of international solidarity, one of these decommissioned batteries was donated to Ukraine in 2022, aiding the nation in its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.
The Danish government’s latest move signals a strategic reinforcement of its coastal defense infrastructure, aligning with evolving security dynamics in the region.
