Denmark to acquire long-range precision weapons

The government has taken a decision in principle that Denmark should in the future possess long-range precision weapons.

This was announced by the Ministry of Defence in a press release.

The decision is based on a military recommendation from the Chief of Defence and is intended to strengthen both Denmark’s national defense and the collective deterrence within NATO and among allies.

According to Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the decision is part of a broader rebuilding of the Danish defense. The Minister highlights that the acquisition of long-range weapons is meant to complement the ground-based air defense and enhance the military’s capability to counter air threats and engage hostile targets at greater distances.

The government also refers to experiences from the war in Ukraine, where, as stated in the press release, it has been crucial to be able to neutralize threats both in the air and at the source, such as missile launchers, before attacks reach their destination.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasizes that the purpose of the acquisition is to strengthen deterrence and thus prevent the weapons from being used. He points to NATO’s ambition for Europe to be able to defend itself by 2030.

Chief of Defence Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard describes the weapon systems as crucial for the military to provide a credible deterrence and counter threats before they reach Danish territory.

The next step involves the Ministry of Defence Material and Acquisition Agency exploring the market to find weapon solutions that best match Denmark’s needs.

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