Denmark is significantly enhancing its military capabilities.
This Wednesday, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced a monumental shift in Danish defense policy: the nation will acquire long-range precision weapons for the very first time. She described this as a ‘paradigm shift.’
Frederiksen explicitly linked this strategic decision to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating, ‘There is no doubt that Russia will remain a threat to both Denmark and the broader European region for many years to come.’
While the specific weapon systems to be purchased remain undisclosed, Ms. Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark’s intention is deterrence, not aggression. ‘We are not the ones initiating attacks; Russia is,’ she asserted.
Currently, Denmark’s artillery has a limited range of only a few kilometers, and while its F-16 fighter jets carry standard missiles, rockets, and bombs, they lack long-range strike capabilities, according to defense experts.
In response to Denmark’s announcement, Russia issued a strong rebuke, labeling the plans ‘pure madness’ and perceiving the weapons acquisition as a direct threat to Moscow.
Vladimir Barbin, Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, declared in a statement, ‘No one, anywhere in the world, has ever publicly contemplated threatening a nuclear power. These statements will undoubtedly be noted and considered.’
Despite its modest size, Denmark, as a NATO member, has committed billions to bolster its military. This move aligns with a broader European trend among its Nordic neighbors, who are also increasing defense spending amid escalating geopolitical tensions and a perceived weakening of global alliances by the United States. For instance, just this month, Norway finalized a $13.5 billion agreement with Britain to buy a new frigate fleet—the largest military acquisition in Norway’s history.
Recently, Denmark has invested in new Arctic patrol ships, acquired advanced long-range drones, and enhanced satellite surveillance over Greenland. This immense and strategically vital island in the Arctic Circle, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, has become a point of contention with the Trump administration, which has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring it. However, both the Danish government and the majority of Greenlanders oppose this idea.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Denmark has emerged as one of Kyiv’s staunchest supporters, providing over $11 billion in military and humanitarian aid, including F-16 fighter jets, artillery, and tanks.
Danish officials refrained from disclosing the exact expenditure on the new long-range weapons, noting that various systems are still under evaluation.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark’s foreign minister, summarized the strategy: ‘Our objective is to acquire weapons that we will hopefully never have to deploy.’