Denmark’s Acquisition of Elbit Weapon Systems
In 2023, Denmark expanded its military capabilities by acquiring the ATMOS and PULS weapon systems from Elbit Systems. However, these systems are equipped with civilian-grade GPS technology, which raises significant concerns regarding their operational effectiveness. The reliance on civilian GPS makes them vulnerable to electronic disruptions, including jamming and spoofing, which can severely impact their accuracy and functionality during critical operations.
The Danish Armed Forces are currently acknowledging this vulnerability. Colonel Michael A. Villumsen, commander of the Danish Artillery Regiment, emphasized the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating that exposure to jamming can significantly compromise military operations. He noted, “Having military GPS would have been preferable,” highlighting the pressing need for a more resilient and reliable navigation system.
Concerns Over Replacement and Timeline
Concerns have been raised by Danish public broadcaster Dr Nyheder regarding the feasibility of replacing the civilian GPS systems across all acquired weapon platforms. The report suggests that even if a suitable replacement is identified, the process could take several years to complete. This timeline poses challenges for the Danish military, as they seek to enhance operational readiness amid evolving threats.
Denmark’s investment in military hardware includes eight PULS multiple rocket launchers and 19 ATMOS self-propelled howitzers, totaling approximately $252 million. These systems were intended to replace the 19 French-made Caesar howitzers transferred to Ukraine. While Elbit has already delivered the PULS systems and the initial batch of ATMOS howitzers, the question of their operational reliability remains a pressing concern.
Elbit Systems’ Response to Criticism
In light of the criticism regarding the GPS capabilities, Elbit Systems has publicly defended its technology. In a statement to the Israeli newspaper Globes, the company asserted that it provides advanced military GPS integrated with its precision rocket munitions. Elbit emphasized that its systems have been operationally validated and that claims of inadequacy reflect a misunderstanding of their capabilities.
Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen also weighed in, opting not to confirm or deny the vulnerabilities associated with the weapon systems. In a written statement to Jyllands-Posten, he stated, “I cannot provide further comments on vulnerabilities in weapon systems,” choosing to maintain a level of ambiguity regarding the concerns raised by the media.
