Denmark Moves Ahead With Purchase of Three European Air Defense Systems

Denmark has approved the acquisition of three short-range ground-based air defense systems in response to rising security concerns, with delivery and operational deployment targeted for 2026.

Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen announced the decision following unanimous support from a cross-party conciliation group. The systems, produced by Germany’s Diehl Defence, France’s MBDA, and Norway’s Kongsberg, will be financed through the national Acceleration Fund, which allocates over DKK 6 billion to bolster Denmark’s immediate defense readiness.

“The current security policy situation means that we need to urgently acquire capabilities for the Danish Armed Forces,” Poulsen said. “Ground-based air defense is an absolute top priority.”

The Chief of Defence, General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, had recommended an initial defense capability be established quickly under the Acceleration Fund until a long-term solution is implemented. The initiative aims to protect civilian populations, military assets, and critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

A total of 10 bids were received from companies in Germany, France, Norway, Italy, Turkey, and Israel. The selection of European partners reflects both capability and strategic alignment with the European Union’s defense priorities.

The Ministry of Defense’s Materiel and Procurement Agency (FMI) had been running a two-track process since spring. One track focused on finding systems for early delivery, while the second aims to define a permanent solution.

“With today's decision, we will not only receive the first systems in 2026—we are also paving the way for a permanent solution,” said Per Pugholm Olsen, head of FMI.

A final decision on the permanent air defense setup is expected later this year.