In what she described as a “paradigm shift,” Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen has announced that Denmark plans to acquire long-range precision weapons to boost its security.
She noted at a press conference that Denmark’s air defence is not strong enough and needs to be able to hit targets at long distances and “combat enemy missile threats.”
“Russia is testing us. They are testing our unity. There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Denmark and Europe for many years to come.”
Mette Frederiksen
Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s Defence Minister, disclosed that the move comes at the recommendation of the Chief of defence.
Although Frederiksen said that the global situation is serious, she added that “there is currently no concrete threat to Denmark.”
It is however a reflection of the perceived severity of the security situation in Europe with Russia to the east and Donald Trump making threats to Denmark from across the Atlantic.
Also, Frederiksen insisted that the move is not an escalation but that it is a “political choice.”
“We are making a political choice about what it means to be able to defend ourselves.
“To put it bluntly, it’s not enough to have an air defence to keep out what’s out there. You have to show your will to be able to do more.”
Mette Frederiksen
Russia, Frederiksen said, is “constantly trying to push the boundaries.” Referencing Russia’s recent violation of Polish airspace, she said, “They will continue to see what reaction comes,” adding, “That’s why it’s also the right time to make this decision.”
She said that Russia wants conflict with NATO but the Danes “should not go around fearing a military attack right now.”
The Danish ministry of defence confirmed the move in a press release, stating, “Based on the military-technical recommendation of the Chief of Defence, the government has made a decision in principle that Denmark must have long-range precision weapons.”
It added that the move is being carried out “with a view to strengthening Denmark’s national and NATO and allies’ collective deterrence.”
Denmark’s Chief of Defence, Michael Hyldgaard, stressed that it is necessary for the Armed Forces to be able to counter threats before they reach Denmark’s territory. He added that it is about giving the Armed Forces the right tools to solve the task. “We are getting that now,” he noted.
Denmark’s Largest Single Defence Investment
The total package for acquisition and operation of ground-based air and missile defence systems is estimated to be worth 58 billion kroner, equivalent to €7.7bn or £6.74bn, “the largest single investment ever in Danish defence.”
The decision entails the procurement of eight systems, comprising both long-range and medium-range capabilities.
The defence ministry’s press release outlined some details of the proposed purchases, saying that that Denmark will look to procure the French-Italian SAMP/T NG air defence system for the long-range missiles, and “one or more” from the Norwegian NASAMS, the German IRIS-T or the French VL MICA systems.
Minister for Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen said in the press release that the current geopolitical situation makes ground-based air defence an “absolute top priority” in building up the Danish Armed Forces.
“Experience from Ukraine shows that ground-based air defence plays a critical role, for example, in protecting civilians against Russian air attacks. I am therefore very pleased to make a significant investment in additional ground-based air defence systems together with the parties to the Defence Agreement.”
Troels Lund Poulsen
The ministry said that the decision “to go with more than one or two suppliers enable shorter delivery times” and reaching readiness “as quickly as possible.” The first system is expected to be operational this year.
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