Denmark to Increase 2024-28 Defense Spending by DDK 40.5 Billion ($4.8 Billion)

The government of Denmark plans to raise defense spending by a total of DKK 40.5 billion ($4.8 billion) in 2024-2028 which will include build-up of the Army's 1st Brigade, acquisition of land-based air defense systems, completion of anti-submarine capability and acquisition of battle-decisive munitions.

In addition, the government will carry out efficiency improvements which will free up 14.3 billion DKK in 2026-2033.  In total, the government will thus be able to prioritize DKK 54.8 billion to improve Danish defense and security as well as military support to Ukraine in 2024-2033.

"The security political situation has developed for the worse. Russia is preparing for protracted war, and exhibits continued aggressive behavior that within a few years could pose a potential threat to NATO - countries. Therefore, we must advance the investments in a number of powerful and in-demand military capacities," said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

"Russia continues its  illegal war in Ukraine and there is no doubt that Russia hopes to dictate Europe's borders by force.The best we can do to deter their aggressive behavior is to continue our military support to Ukraine and accelerate the building of a stronger defense in Europe. It sends an important signal to the Kremlin and to our allies in NATO that Denmark is lifting our share of the responsibility and making a number of large investments in the Defence," Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said.

The Army's 1st Brigade

Plans are being made to build the Army's 1st Brigade into a heavy brigade of up to 6,000 soldiers who, in line with NATO's ambitions, can be part of NATO's emergency forces on heightened alert. A significant part of the brigade's combat power must be built up in the first years and be in place by 2028.

Army Light Infantry Battalion

Plans are being made to equip the Army's light infantry battalion in Haderslev with armored vehicles so that its flexible units can better solve tasks in the world's hotspots.

Ground-based air defense

Plans are being made to acquire both short-range and long-range ground-based air defense systems, which will contribute to protecting Denmark against attacks from the air.

Anti-submarine capability

It is planned that the build-up of Danish anti-submarine capacity will be completed in 2029, as well as bringing forward the planned acquisition of anti-submarine torpedoes and ensuring integration of the torpedoes with the fire control system on frigates of the Absalon class. The anti-submarine capability must give the Norwegian Armed Forces the ability to detect, locate and combat enemy submarines.

Battle decisive ammunition

Investments in parts of the close-in air defense missiles financed in the first sub-agreement are planned to be advanced to 2024. Close-in air defense missiles for the Navy's ships will, among other things, be able to protect against incoming missiles and enemy drones.