Denmark’s Ground-Based Air Defense Acquisition Plan
Denmark has officially announced the acquisition of short-range ground-based anti-air systems from several European manufacturers, including companies from France, Germany, and Norway. The decision, conveyed by the defense ministry on Tuesday, aims to enhance the protection of both civilians and military installations amid rising security concerns in the region.
Valued at over six billion kroner (approximately $919 million), the procurement will involve weapon systems provided by Germany’s Diehl Defense and MBDA France, alongside leased systems from Norway’s Kongsberg. The Danish government underscores the urgency of establishing a robust defense infrastructure to counter aerial threats.
Strategic Deployment of Air Defense Systems
According to Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the newly acquired systems will be strategically deployed across Denmark. This move is intended to create a comprehensive ground-based air defense network capable of safeguarding civilian populations and critical infrastructure. In a statement, the ministry emphasized the need for Denmark to respond promptly to emerging threats.
“Denmark needs to rapidly establish a ground-based air defense capable of protecting the civilian population, military targets, and critical infrastructure from aerial threats,” noted the statement from the defense ministry. The timeline for the systems becoming operational is set to begin from late 2025 and extend into early 2027.
Increasing Defense Spending
The announcement of the air defense acquisition comes in the context of rising security tensions, particularly in relation to Russia. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen revealed in February that Denmark would allocate an additional 50 billion kroner (around $7 billion) to defense expenditure over the next two years. This significant investment reflects a renewed focus on military readiness.
Frederiksen’s directive to the military was clear: to prioritize purchases to bolster defense capabilities. Her statement, urging the military to “buy, buy, buy,” emphasizes the necessity of rapidly enhancing Denmark’s defense posture in line with current geopolitical realities.
Historical Context of Denmark’s Air Defense
Denmark’s decision to strengthen its ground-based air defense comes two decades after the decommissioning of the Dehawk air defense system. At that time, the country shifted its military focus from national defense toward international operations following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
This historical pivot has significantly influenced Denmark’s defense strategy, which has now been rekindled in light of contemporary threats. The acquisition of new air defense systems signifies a pivotal shift back toward enhancing national security capabilities.
