Denmark Plans Urgent Procurement of Ground-based Air Defence Systems

Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has opened the Air Defence Wing at Skalstrup Air Station as the country moves to strengthen its ground-based air defence and fast-track system acquisitions.

The Air Defence Wing, under the Air Command, will serve as the headquarters for Denmark’s ground-based air defence. Poulsen emphasized the urgency of this initiative, citing the current security environment and the need to accelerate the military’s combat power.

Denmark is pursuing a two-track approach to air defence procurement, with FMI seeking an interim system for delivery by 2026 while working on a long-term solution. The goal is to select a permanent system this year and finalize a contract by 2025. Possible options for Denmark include the U.S.-made Patriot and THAAD systems, Norway's NASAMS, Israel's David's Sling, Germany's IRIS-T, the Franco-Italian SAMP/T, and the U.K.-made CAMM.

Acting Chief of Defence Michael Hyldgaard highlighted the unprecedented speed at which the new air defence capacity is being developed, stating that procurement, staffing, and training are progressing rapidly.

The Skalstrup Air Defence Wing will include a support group, operations group, and logistics group, aligning with the Air Force’s organizational structure. Skalstrup has previously housed ground-based air defence units, making it a strategic location for the new headquarters.