Denmark Invests $2B in Drones, Arctic Ships, Satellite for Arctic Defense

Denmark, in close collaboration with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, has signed a defense agreement to bolster security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

This agreement, worth 14.6 billion kroner ($2 billion), includes the introduction of new Arctic ships, long-range drones, and enhanced satellite capabilities to strengthen surveillance, sovereignty, and military readiness in the region.

The first partial agreement is a response to the rising threats in the Arctic, where both Russia and China have shown increased interest. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service has noted a heightened security threat in these areas, necessitating a stronger defense presence. The government plans to further develop defense measures in the Arctic through a second partial agreement, scheduled for 2025.

Key initiatives under this agreement include three new Arctic ships, capable of carrying helicopters and drones, enhancing the military's ability to perform tasks more effectively across Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The addition of two long-range drones with imaging technology will also allow the military to monitor vast regions over long distances, collecting detailed intelligence.

The agreement aims to improve Denmark's defense capabilities, support NATO's operations, and strengthen cooperation with allies in the Arctic.

Among the additional components of the agreement is the strengthening of the Arctic Command’s facilities in Nuuk, Greenland, as well as an expansion in Arctic Basic Education enrollment to prepare more young people for roles in defense and sovereignty enforcement. Furthermore, satellite and ground-based sensor systems will enhance situational awareness, helping to track and monitor activities in the region more effectively.

The agreement sets the stage for continued investment in defense and security through subsequent phases, including a detailed naval plan to be prepared in March 2025. This strategy will guide the construction of more military ships in Denmark, aiming to strengthen the Kingdom’s naval capabilities.

Denmark's political leaders across various parties expressed support for the agreement, recognizing the urgency of bolstering Arctic defenses.