Denmark has announced its largest-ever defence procurement, committing to spend around 58 billion Danish kroner (approximately 9.1 billion U.S. dollars) on advanced air defence systems. The decision comes as concerns grow across Europe over Russia’s increasing military assertiveness and recent airspace violations in NATO countries.
The deal includes the purchase of eight air defence systems. For long-range protection, Denmark will acquire the SAMP/T platform, a sophisticated system developed through European cooperation. For medium-range defence, the government has opted for systems manufactured by partners in Norway, Germany, and France. Officials said the choice of European suppliers ensures faster delivery and reduced costs compared to alternatives such as the U.S.-made Patriot system.
Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that the investment reflects a rapidly changing security environment, describing the current situation as “challenged” and demanding stronger deterrence capabilities. The Danish government has made it clear that bolstering air defences is now a top priority, especially as Russia’s use of drones and missiles in Ukraine highlights the vulnerabilities of NATO’s eastern flank.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been urging the armed forces to accelerate equipment purchases, urging them to “buy, buy, buy” earlier this year. The new procurement plan signals a dramatic shift in Denmark’s defence posture, moving away from limited air defence capacity toward a robust, ground-based shield designed to protect both national airspace and NATO’s collective security.
The first systems are expected to be operational soon, with medium-range batteries arriving earlier and long-range defences following thereafter. For Denmark, this marks not just a historic financial commitment but also a strategic turning point in its role within NATO at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
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