Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said: “The current security policy situation means that ground-based air defence is an absolute top priority in the rebuilding of the Armed Forces. Experience from Ukraine shows that ground-based air defence plays a crucial role in protecting the civilian population, among others, against Russian air attacks. I am therefore very pleased that, together with the coalition, a decision has been made to make a significant investment in additional ground-based air defence systems. The Armed Forces can already look forward to the first part of the Armed Forces’ ground-based air defence system becoming operational this year, and I am pleased that the coalition is responding to security policy developments with a long-term perspective.”
The procurement was conducted on two tracks, including an urgent decision in June 2025 to acquire medium-range systems. Based on military recommendations, the coalition agreed to buy a total of eight systems combining long- and medium-range capabilities.
The French-Italian SAMP/T was chosen for long-range defence, while for medium-range solutions the Norwegian NASAMS, German IRIS-T and French VL MICA remained under consideration. The systems were selected after assessing operational, economic and strategic factors.
Chief of Defence Michael Hyldgaard said: “The war in Ukraine clearly demonstrates the need for a modern ground-based air defence system to consist of several integrated systems that provide multiple layers of airspace protection. This is the concept for the ground-based air defence system that the Danish Armed Forces is investing in and building.”
The total procurement and operating costs were estimated at DKK 58 billion, subject to Finance Committee approval. Each of the eight systems would consist of four units capable of independently targeting and firing at aerial threats.
Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of FMI, said: “The decision to go with more than one or two suppliers enables shorter delivery times. This means that we can achieve our goal of a comprehensive ground-based air defence capability as quickly as possible and thus best support the rapid build-up of Danish combat power.”
The first system was expected to be operational in 2025, with gradual expansion thereafter. The capability would allow for layered protection across Denmark, enhancing the defence of cities, critical infrastructure and military assets.
Political parties in the coalition expressed strong support for the acquisition. Simon Kollerup, defence spokesperson for the Social Democrats, said: “Denmark is not sufficiently protected against attacks from enemy drones or missiles. We cannot live with that uncertainty, and we are now changing that. With the decision to make the largest defence investment in Denmark’s history, we are now purchasing a very strong air defence system that can shoot down any enemy missiles from the ground before they hit us. The decision provides security in Denmark and at the same time strengthens Europe’s security and strategic autonomy.”
Peter Juel-Jensen of the Liberal Party said: “When you follow the news flow from Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, it is almost a daily reminder that a well-functioning air defence system is absolutely crucial in today’s conflicts. That is why I am pleased that we in the coalition agree to invest heavily in ground-based air defence. Even though it is expensive, it is a necessary investment to protect Denmark.”
Lise Bech of the Danish Democrats said: “For far too many years, we have been without a proper air defence system, and this is an untenable situation. We in the Danish Democrats are pleased that we are now moving forward with the process of establishing a ground-based air defence system. It has been crucial for us to quickly meet NATO’s expectations and to establish an air defence system that can protect us from foreign powers.”
Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen of the Socialist People’s Party said: “We in the Socialist People’s Party are pleased with and agree with the Danish Defence’s objective assessment, which is the best choice on all three important parameters, namely delivery speed, price and the development of the European defence industry.”
Carsten Bach of the Liberal Alliance said: “The Liberal Alliance supports the military recommendations on the procurement of air defence systems. The shooting down of Russian drones over Poland clearly shows that a strong air defence is necessary for the safety of the Danish people. With this decision, Denmark will meet NATO’s future force goals, which is important to the Liberal Alliance, but it is also important to emphasise that we are continuing to investigate whether there are opportunities for temporary solutions to strengthen Denmark’s air defence here and now.”
Peter Have of the Moderates said: “The Moderates are very pleased with the choice of European air defence systems. We are strengthening European defence companies and at the same time we are getting the fastest delivery and thus the fastest possible strengthening of combat power.”
Joachim Hoffmann-Petersen of the Conservative People’s Party said: “For us Conservatives, there are two crucial points when it comes to armament. Professionalism and speed. We must have what the Armed Forces need so that they can protect Denmark and NATO. And we must have it quickly. We get both with the agreement on ground-based air defence. And I am delighted that we will now be able to live up to NATO’s expectations of us.”
Alex Ahrendtsen of the Danish People’s Party said: “The Danish People’s Party is pleased that with this agreement, we will be able to fully protect Denmark with short, medium and long-range air defence by 2032 at the latest.”
Stinus Lindgreen of the Danish Social Liberal Party said: “The Danish Social Liberal Party is pleased that we are making an important investment in establishing comprehensive air defence for Denmark. This is a necessary step if we are to have a solid defence in uncertain times. In the negotiations, we have emphasised the importance of the investment supporting the development of a stronger European defence industrial base to the greatest extent possible.”
Source: Danish Ministry of Defence.
