COPENHAGEN — Denmark will invest €7.8 billion in new air defense systems, marking the largest single defense procurement in the country’s history, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the deteriorating security environment has made ground-based air defense an “absolute priority” for the Danish Armed Forces.
“Experience from Ukraine shows that such systems play a critical role in protecting civilians from Russian airstrikes,” he said.
The plan includes the acquisition of eight long- and medium-range air defense systems.
For long-range coverage, Denmark will purchase the Franco-Italian SAMP/T system.
For medium-range capabilities, the government is evaluating options including Germany’s IRIS-T, Norway’s NASAMS, and France’s VL MICA.
The first systems are expected to be operational by the end of 2025, with additional units phased in over time.
The move aligns with NATO’s push for increased defense spending and reflects Denmark’s commitment to strengthening its military infrastructure amid rising tensions in Europe.
