Denmark has announced a 58-billion-kroner ($9.1 billion) plan to procure new European-made air and missile defense systems, a move driven by security lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to the Danish Ministry of Defense, the program will include both long-range and medium-range capabilities to strengthen the country’s layered defense structure.
For long-range coverage, Copenhagen has selected the French-Italian SAMP/T system, capable of countering a wide variety of airborne threats. For medium-range requirements, officials will decide between multiple options, including Norway’s NASAMS, Germany’s IRIS-T, and France’s VL MICA. The ministry indicated that one or more of these systems may be chosen to meet operational needs.
Denmark plans to acquire a total of eight systems, each composed of several fire units, with the first expected to be in service as early as 2025. The procurement still requires parliamentary approval, but defense officials have emphasized the urgency of the initiative. In June, Denmark had already opted for a rapid purchase of medium-range air defense solutions to deliver immediate results.
At a press conference, defense leaders underlined that this large-scale investment should not be interpreted as a rejection of American-made systems. Rather, the choice reflects the need for swift procurement of European systems capable of providing effective protection in the face of evolving threats from Russia.
