Denmark plans to join the European air-to-air refueling pool and may purchase two Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for approximately $1.1 billion between 2025 and 2033. The country intends to first buy flight hours and later acquire a share equal to two aircraft in the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet. The A330 MRTT supports both boom and probe-and-drogue refueling systems, making it compatible with a wide range of European and U.S. aircraft. The move comes amid growing concerns about Europe’s reliance on U.S. aerial refueling capacity as Washington signals disengagement. Denmark also plans to invest 4.7 billion kroner to accelerate development […]
Category: Denmark
Danish Defense Chair Urges NATO to Rethink U.S. Arms Purchases
Rasmus Jarlov, chairman of Denmark’s parliamentary defense committee, warned NATO countries against buying U.S. military equipment like Lockheed Martin’s F-35s, citing security risks over American control of spare parts. Jarlov expressed regret over Denmark’s 2016 decision to procure the F-35, for which 27 units were funded in 2017 and eight have been delivered. He argued that such dependency could compromise national sovereignty. His comments come amid rising concerns in Europe, with Portugal’s defense minister also questioning U.S. reliability. The remarks add to growing skepticism across the continent regarding future U.S.-supplied defense platforms. Original news
Denmark Selects Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile for Frigate Upgrade
The Royal Danish Navy has selected Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to equip its three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, replacing the previously donated Boeing Harpoon missiles. The $193.3 million (NOK2.1 billion) contract, awarded to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, was announced on March 6. The deal includes training, logistical support, and maintenance services, ensuring a smooth transition to the new missile system. Missile deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025 and continue through 2030. The acquisition strengthens Denmark’s naval strike capabilities amid rising security concerns in the Baltic region. Original news
Denmark to Replace Harpoon Missiles With Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles
Denmark has announced the purchase of Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to replace the U.S.-made Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missile on its Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. The deal marks the first in a series of rapid acquisitions aimed at rebuilding Denmark’s defense capabilities. The NSM system, known for its stealth and advanced targeting, will enhance Denmark’s naval strike power. The move reflects Denmark’s broader efforts to modernize its military amid rising security concerns. The acquisition strengthens Denmark’s ties with Norway’s Kongsberg and aligns with NATO’s push for regional defense improvements. Original news
Denmark Selects Norway’s Nammo to Restart Domestic Ammunition Production
Denmark has chosen Norwegian defense company Nammo to restart ammunition production at a closed plant in northern Denmark, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced on Friday. The decision follows security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and intelligence assessments emphasizing the need for domestic ammo production. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stressed that the move is crucial for Denmark’s and the Nordic region’s security. Denmark had acquired the Elling plant in October 2023 to explore domestic production options, after the site had ceased operations in 2020. The initiative strengthens Denmark’s defense capabilities and regional military readiness. Original news
Ukrainian F-16s Engage Russian Forces with Advanced Weaponry
Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16 fighters are now actively engaging Russian forces along the 800-mile front line, armed with air-to-air missiles, precision glide bombs, and radar jammers. The jets, supplied by Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, offer superior capabilities compared to Ukraine’s Soviet-era aircraft, including the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod. A U.S. Air Force official highlighted the ECM pod’s strategic impact, stating it can create “a pocket of air superiority” to achieve mission-critical objectives. Despite these enhancements, Ukraine remains dependent on U.S. programming support for the ECM systems. The F-16s mark a significant step in modernizing Ukraine’s air force […]
Ukraine Secures Over $10 Billion in Aid on Third Anniversary of Russian Invasion
On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine received over $10 billion in aid from European, Nordic, Spanish, and Canadian sources. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a €1 billion military aid package as part of a 10-year agreement with Ukraine. The European Union will provide €3.5 billion in March, while Canada pledged $5 billion from Russia’s frozen assets along with 25 LAVIII infantry vehicles, artillery shells, and F-16 flight simulators. Meanwhile, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its military and energy sectors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the G7 to take […]
Denmark Awards AeroVironment $181 Million Contract for JUMP 20 Drones
AeroVironment has secured a $181 million contract with Denmark’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) to supply its JUMP 20 medium uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The contract, awarded through AeroVironment’s subsidiary Arcturus UAV, will run for ten years. The JUMP 20 features vertical take-off and landing capabilities, over 13 hours of endurance, and a 185 km range. The drone is designed for autonomous operations, enhancing Denmark’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The deal marks a significant investment in modernizing Denmark’s military with advanced UAS technology. Original news
Denmark boosts Arctic defence spending by $2.1 billion, responding to US pressure
Denmark has announced a $2.05 billion increase in Arctic military spending, reflecting heightened geopolitical interest in the region. The move follows renewed attention from the U.S., including former President Donald Trump’s interest in controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. The U.S. maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, a key site for its ballistic missile early-warning system. Greenland’s strategic location along the shortest route between Europe and North America underscores its defense importance. This investment demonstrates Denmark’s commitment to bolstering Arctic security amid growing international competition.Original news
Sweden relieves Danish contingent of NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia
On January 18, a Swedish battalion arrived in Riga, Latvia, to replace Denmark’s contingent in the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia. This marks Sweden’s largest deployment since joining NATO on March 7, 2024, according to the Swedish Armed Forces. The battalion, from the South Skåne Regiment’s 71st Battalion, includes soldiers, CV9040 infantry fighting vehicles, and Patria 8×8 XA-360 Armoured Modular Vehicles. The convoy was escorted by Swedish and Latvian military forces, showcasing strong bilateral cooperation. This deployment underscores Sweden’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense in the Baltic region. Original news
Denmark Weighs Defense Upgrades for F-35 Deployment in Greenland
Denmark is evaluating defense infrastructure enhancements in Greenland to potentially station Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters at Kangerlussuaq airport, as reported on January 10. The Royal Danish Air Force currently operates 17 F-35s, with additional jets used for training in Arizona. The upgrades align with a proposed $1.5 billion Danish defense spending package and follow heightened U.S. interest in Greenland for national security. Hosting F-35s at Kangerlussuaq would represent a major boost to Greenland’s security infrastructure. This initiative underscores Denmark’s commitment to modernizing its defense posture in the Arctic region.Original news
Denmark boosts Greenland defence after Trump repeats desire for US control
Denmark has unveiled a 12-15 billion kroner ($1.5 billion USD) defense package for Greenland, including inspection ships, long-range drones, expanded Arctic Command staffing, and upgrades to accommodate F-35 jets. Announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the investment coincides with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reiterating his interest in purchasing Greenland, which he called “an absolute necessity” for U.S. national security. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede reaffirmed the territory is “not for sale” but emphasized its openness to trade and cooperation. Poulsen acknowledged years of underinvestment in the Arctic, with the new package reflecting increased concerns over Chinese and Russian […]
Nordic countries discuss joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV IFVs
Nordic Defence Cooperation members, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, are exploring a joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles. According to BAE Systems Hägglunds Managing Director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, the discussions are in early stages but could result in the purchase of several hundred vehicles. Lithuania may also participate in the procurement effort, broadening regional collaboration. This initiative underscores a collective push to enhance military capabilities across the Nordic and Baltic regions. The potential joint purchase highlights the importance of regional defense partnerships in modernizing ground forces. Original news
BAE Signs $2.5 Billion In New CV90 Combat Vehicle Deals With Sweden, Denmark
BAE Systems has secured a $2.5 billion deal to deliver CV90 combat vehicles to Sweden and Denmark, with provisions to supply additional vehicles to Ukraine funded by the two countries. Denmark will receive 115 CV9035MkIIICs, while Sweden will get 50 upgraded units under a three-party framework agreement. Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, highlighted the vehicles’ enhanced mobility, protection, lethality, and situational awareness for armed forces. The CV9035MkIIIC features a new turret offering advanced design and functionality. This follows BAE Systems’ $2.2 billion agreement in May 2023 to supply 246 CV90s to the Czech Republic. Original news
‘Too early’ to rule out China-Russia cooperation in Baltic seabed cable incident, says Pentagon official
A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]