Denmark’s commitment to enhancing its national security has reached new heights, with plans to invest approximately 58 billion kroner ($9.1 billion) in air and missile defense systems produced within Europe. This decision stems from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has underscored the importance of robust air defense capabilities.
Under the leadership of Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, rearmament has become a focal point of the Danish government. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen articulated the urgency of this initiative, emphasizing that ground-based air defense is now a priority in the modernization of the Danish armed forces. He highlighted that the experiences from Ukraine illustrate the vital role these systems play in safeguarding civilian populations against aerial threats.
The Danish defense ministry announced plans to procure the French-Italian SAMP/T system to fulfill the country’s long-range defense requirements. For medium-range defense, Denmark is considering multiple options, including the Norwegian NASAMS, the German IRIS-T, and the French VL MICA. The procurement strategy includes acquiring a total of eight systems, each equipped with several fire units, with the anticipation that the first of these systems could be operational as early as 2025.
This extensive investment is contingent upon approval from Denmark’s parliament, reflecting a strategic shift in defense policy. In June, the government had previously initiated an urgent procurement phase focused on medium-range air defense systems to ensure rapid deployment. Based on military recommendations, the current procurement plan expands to include both long-range and medium-range systems, integrating the previously urgent order into the broader strategy.
During a recent press conference, officials clarified that this decision does not signify a departure from American defense capabilities. The director of the Danish Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, Per Pugholm, noted that the speed of delivery played a crucial role in their decision-making process, pointing out that timelines for the American Patriot system would have prolonged the procurement.
With this significant investment, Denmark is taking proactive steps to enhance its defense infrastructure in response to evolving security challenges, ensuring it remains well-equipped to address potential threats to national and regional stability.
